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Trump Considers Firing Top Intelligence Official Amid Iran War Tensions
President Trump has privately polled aides on whether to remove Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard after she refused to condemn a former counterterrorism official's criticism of the Iran war.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:40pm
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President Donald Trump has privately surveyed close aides on whether he should fire Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who reportedly angered him by refusing to condemn a former counterterrorism official's criticism of the Iran war. Some advisers are cautioning against the move, warning that a second high-profile ouster in as many months could do more harm than good.
Why it matters
Gabbard's stance on the Iran war has put her at odds with the president, who has taken a hardline approach. Her refusal to fire the former counterterrorism official who resigned over the war also appears to have irked Trump. This latest reported power struggle highlights the tensions within the administration over foreign policy and national security issues.
The details
According to sources, Gabbard reportedly rankled Trump when she refused to fire Joe Kent, the former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, who resigned over his opposition to the Iran war. Gabbard also declined to condemn Kent's criticism of the war, which undercut Trump's justification for 'Operation Epic Fury.' Trump reportedly didn't like how Gabbard shielded Kent.
- Last month, Gabbard was grilled before the House Intelligence Committee on whether she agreed with Kent's assessment of the war.
- In February, Gabbard was confirmed by the Senate as Director of National Intelligence.
The players
Donald Trump
The 79-year-old President of the United States who is reportedly considering firing Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
Tulsi Gabbard
The Director of National Intelligence who has faced scrutiny over her position on Trump's war with Iran, as she has historically been a passionately anti-war politician.
Joe Kent
The former director of the National Counterterrorism Center who resigned over his opposition to the Iran war.
What they’re saying
“Yeah, sure, I mean, she's a little bit different in her thought process than me, but that doesn't make somebody not available to serve.”
— Donald Trump, President
“As President Trump just said in his remarks, he has confidence in Director Gabbard and the tireless work she is doing. He has assembled the most talented and impactful cabinet ever, and they have collectively delivered historic victories on behalf of the American people.”
— Steven Cheung, White House Spokesperson
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 latest reported power struggle highlights the tensions within the Trump administration over foreign policy and national security issues, with the president's hardline approach on Iran at odds with Gabbard's historically anti-war stance.
