'Intelligence' Under Fire: Did Roger Stone Rescue Tulsi Gabbard From Trump’s 'Cabinet Purge'?

Last Updated:April 10, 2026, 20:32 IST

According to reports, the President was 'incensed' by Gabbard’s perceived reluctance to fully endorse the administration's rationale for military action against Iran

In a dramatic week for the Trump administration’s national security wing, reports have surfaced that Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard narrowly avoided dismissal following a direct intervention by veteran political strategist Roger Stone. The reported friction marks a critical turning point in the relationship between the President and his top spy chief, as the administration navigates a complex and burgeoning conflict with Iran.

Why was President Trump reportedly ready to fire Tulsi Gabbard?

The tension between President Donald Trump and Tulsi Gabbard reached a boiling point following her testimony during a “worldwide threats" hearing before US Congress in late March 2026. According to sources cited by Axios and The Guardian, the President was “incensed" by Gabbard’s perceived reluctance to fully endorse the administration’s rationale for military action against Iran.

Trump’s frustration reportedly deepened after Gabbard refused to condemn her former deputy, Joe Kent, who resigned after publicly arguing that Iran did not pose an imminent threat to the United States. In a private meeting described by insiders, the President allegedly “scolded" the DNI and questioned her loyalty, viewing her nuanced testimony as a betrayal of the administration’s “maximum pressure" narrative.

How did Roger Stone intervene to save her position?

While Cabinet members were reportedly being polled on potential replacements for the DNI role, Roger Stone—Trump’s longest-serving political adviser—stepped in to advocate for Gabbard. Sources familiar with the development state that Stone placed a crucial call to the President, arguing that firing a high-profile figure like Gabbard would create an “unhelpful political distraction" and alienate a specific segment of the MAGA base that appreciates her anti-interventionist roots.

Stone’s intervention was described as “sealing the deal" to keep her in the post, at least for the immediate future. His counsel reportedly reminded the President of Gabbard’s utility in declassifying documents related to the 2016 Russia investigation, a project she has spearheaded to the President’s great satisfaction.

What is the current status of the DNI role?

Despite the reported internal “firestorm", the White House has moved into damage-control mode. On April 3, Communications Director Steven Cheung dismissed the firing rumours as “totally fake news", asserting that the President has “total confidence" in Director Gabbard. Gabbard herself has since issued a statement reinforcing her commitment to the Commander-in-Chief’s vision, acknowledging his authority to determine imminent threats.

However, the political landscape remains volatile. While Gabbard remains in her post as of now, she is operating under intense scrutiny. Recent departures in the Cabinet, including the dismissal of Attorney General Pam Bondi and the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, suggest that the President is in the midst of a significant personnel reshuffle.

What are the broader implications for US intelligence?

The friction underscores a fundamental divide within the administration over the war in Iran. Gabbard, known for her historical opposition to “regime change wars", has struggled to balance her personal ideology with the President’s more hawkish military directives. This internal tug-of-war has reportedly led to a strained relationship with the CIA and other intelligence agencies, with some West Wing aides reportedly joking that the “DNI" acronym now stands for “Do Not Invite".

For now, the “Stone-brokered truce" holds. However, with the President publicly contradicting Gabbard’s assessments on Iran’s nuclear capabilities, the 2026 election cycle is proving that even the most high-profile appointments are only as secure as the latest phone call to Mar-a-Lago.

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