Trump Kept Tulsi Gabbard as Intel Chief After Stone's Plea

Longtime Trump ally Roger Stone convinced the president not to fire the director of national intelligence over her congressional testimony.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:21am

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President Trump was reportedly ready to fire Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard last week until longtime political operative Roger Stone intervened, arguing that Gabbard was loyal and professional and that firing her could hurt the chances of Trump's 'preferred successor' in 2028. According to a report, Stone received a call from the president and staunchly defended Gabbard, laying out several reasons why Trump needed to keep her on the job.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the influence that political insiders like Roger Stone can have on the president's decision-making, especially when it comes to high-profile national security positions. It also suggests potential tensions between Gabbard and more hawkish elements within the administration over issues like the threat posed by Iran.

The details

Trump was reportedly upset with Gabbard's performance during a March 18 congressional hearing, where she declined to say whether Iran posed an imminent nuclear threat, and began asking cabinet members and advisers about whether it was time to replace the top intelligence official. Stone argued that Gabbard was loyal and professional in her congressional testimony and would not resign like her former staffer and Iran war critic Joe Kent did. He also told Trump that firing Gabbard would create a damaging news cycle and turn the director of national intelligence into a martyr for his anti-interventionist supporters.

  • On March 18, Gabbard testified before Congress, declining to say whether Iran posed an imminent nuclear threat.
  • Last week, Trump began asking cabinet members and advisers about replacing Gabbard as director of national intelligence.

The players

Tulsi Gabbard

The current Director of National Intelligence, who has taken a more cautious stance on issues like the threat posed by Iran.

Roger Stone

A longtime political operative and ally of President Trump, who intervened to convince the president not to fire Gabbard.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who was reportedly ready to fire Gabbard as director of national intelligence until Stone intervened.

Joe Kent

A former staffer of Gabbard's who resigned over his criticism of the Iran nuclear deal.

Vance

Trump's 'preferred successor' as president, according to Stone.

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What they’re saying

“'Fortunately, I acted in time'”

— Roger Stone, Longtime Trump Ally

“Trump 'believes Tulsi Gabbard is doing an excellent job on behalf of the administration. She is a key member of his national security team.'”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

What’s next

The White House has not indicated any plans to replace Gabbard as director of national intelligence following this incident.

The takeaway

This episode highlights the continued influence of political insiders like Roger Stone within the Trump administration, even after the former president left office. It also suggests potential tensions between Gabbard and more hawkish elements in the administration over national security issues.