Last week, President Trump was on the verge of dismissing Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard until Roger Stone intervened, as reported by sources and confirmed by the veteran political strategist.
Trump’s dissatisfaction stemmed from Gabbard’s performance at a congressional hearing on March 18, where she hesitated to confirm whether Iran posed an immediate nuclear threat. This led Trump to consult with cabinet members and advisers about potentially replacing her in the intelligence leadership role.
Stone, who has known Trump since 1979, received a call from the president and offered a robust defense of Gabbard, presenting multiple arguments in favor of her continued service, Axios revealed on Thursday.
“Fortunately, I stepped in just in time,” Stone shared on X, also accusing conservative commentator Laura Loomer of spearheading efforts to convince Trump to remove Gabbard.
Stone emphasized Gabbard’s loyalty and professionalism during her congressional appearance, assuring Trump that unlike her former staffer Joe Kent, who resigned over disagreements regarding Iran, she would remain dedicated to her duties, according to Axios.
He also warned Trump that dismissing Gabbard could trigger a negative media storm and inadvertently elevate her as a symbol for anti-interventionist supporters.
Firing Gabbard could also make her a formidable 2028 GOP presidential candidate, potentially hurting the chances of Trump’s “preferred successor, Vice President Vance” in early primary states, Stone argued, according to Axios.
Stone and Gabbard’s office did not immediately respond to The Post’s requests for comment.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Axios that Trump “believes Tulsi Gabbard is doing an excellent job on behalf of the administration.”
“She is a key member of his national security team,” Leavitt added.
