Roger Stone's Intervention Saves Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's Job
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard narrowly avoided being fired by President Donald Trump last week, thanks to the intervention of a prominent GOP operative, as reported by Axios’s Marc Caputo. Trump was reportedly displeased with Gabbard for not fully endorsing the Iran war during her recent congressional testimony on U.S. threats. Additionally, Trump was frustrated by the resignation of former National Counterterrorism Director Joe Kent in protest of the war. Despite some Cabinet members supporting Gabbard, it was Roger Stone who played a crucial role in saving her job, leveraging his long-standing relationship with Trump to advocate for her.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed Trump’s confidence in Gabbard’s performance, stating that she is a valuable member of the national security team. Stone, in a tweet, addressed the situation, debunking claims that Gabbard was on the verge of resigning and emphasizing his timely intervention to prevent her dismissal. The close relationship between Stone and Trump, dating back to 1979, underscores the influence Stone wields in such matters. The episode highlights the intricate dynamics within the administration and the pivotal role of key figures in shaping decisions regarding personnel.