Top Intelligence Official Resigns Over Iran War as Gabbard Faces Tough Questions

Tulsi Gabbard, the National Intelligence Director, will testify before Congress amid growing concerns over the U.S.-Israeli assault on Iran.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:54am

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The resignation of Joe Kent, the head of the National Center for Counterterrorism, has put the spotlight on his boss, National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, who built her political career as a critic of 'regime change' wars. Gabbard will testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee, where lawmakers will question her about President Trump's decision to launch the U.S.-Israeli aerial attack on Iran and whether the intelligence supported the claim of an 'imminent threat' from Tehran.

Why it matters

Gabbard's response to the war could define her political future, as she has positioned herself as a 'restraint-minded' Republican wary of open-ended conflicts. Her testimony will be closely watched to see if she defends the administration's actions or breaks with the president, potentially damaging her relationship with Trump and her standing among his supporters.

The details

Kent, who was among the officials in the administration who viewed themselves as 'restraint-minded' and wary of more open-ended wars, announced he was stepping down because he could not in 'good conscience' support the war and because 'Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation.' Gabbard, who has stayed mostly silent since the U.S.-Israeli aerial attack on Iran began, posted a statement saying it was up to President Trump to decide whether intelligence assessments justified the need to go to war, but did not indicate whether the spy agencies she oversees had found that Iran presented an urgent threat.

  • The U.S.-Israeli aerial assault on Iran began on February 28, 2026.
  • Joe Kent announced his resignation on March 17, 2026.
  • Tulsi Gabbard will testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee on March 18, 2026.

The players

Tulsi Gabbard

The National Intelligence Director, who built her political career as an outspoken critic of 'regime change' wars.

Joe Kent

The former head of the National Center for Counterterrorism, who resigned because he could not in 'good conscience' support the war against Iran.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who ordered the U.S.-Israeli aerial assault on Iran.

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What they’re saying

“We haven't seen much of Gabbard since Trump attacked Iran, so this will be high stakes for her.”

— Justin Logan, Director of defense and foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute think tank (NBC News)

“People like Gabbard have a tough needle to thread: defend the administration without looking like a forelock-tugging flunky who's thrown her principles into the wind.”

— Justin Logan, Director of defense and foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute think tank (NBC News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.