Defence Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard issued a firm defence of President Trump’s military actions against Iran on Tuesday, following the high-profile resignation of National Counterterrorism Centre (NCTC) Director Joe Kent.
The shake-up in the intelligence community comes amid “Operation Epic Fury,” a conflict launched on February 28, 2026, which has already resulted in the deaths of 13 American servicemembers.
Joe Kent, who was confirmed as NCTC director in July, announced his immediate resignation on X. Kent stated he could “not in good conscience” support the ongoing war, claiming Iran posed “no imminent threat” and alleging the administration was swayed by a “misinformation campaign” from foreign interests and the media.
In response to the departure, administration officials painted a picture of internal friction. Sources told The Daily Caller that Kent had been excluded from the President’s daily intelligence briefings for months.
Officials further alleged Kent was a “known leaker,” leading to his isolation from high-level conversations regarding Iran. While some sources claim the White House sought Kent’s firing, others suggest he remained in his post until his voluntary exit.
DNI Tulsi Gabbard, who is scheduled to testify before Congress on Wednesday, took to social media to clarify her role. Despite her historical stance against Iranian intervention, having once warned that such a war would make Iraq look like a “cakewalk,” Gabbard emphasised her duty to the Commander in Chief.
She wrote that President Trump concluded the terrorist Islamist regime in Iran posed an imminent threat and took action based on that conclusion, adding that her primary responsibility is to coordinate and integrate all intelligence to inform the President’s decisions.
Speaking from the Oval Office, President Trump dismissed Kent’s exit, labelling his former appointee as “weak on security.” The President stated that he always thought Kent was a nice guy but weak on security, and concluded it was a good thing he was out because Kent claimed Iran was not a threat.
Amid the accusations of being a security risk, veteran and podcast host Matt Tardio defended Kent’s professionalism. Tardio claimed that as recently as last week, Kent handled a leak issue that could have endangered U.S. soldiers.
While Tardio noted he disagrees with Kent’s views on the current situation, he stated he does not believe him to be a risk to service members.
The fallout continues as Washington prepares for Gabbard’s congressional testimony tomorrow, where she is expected to face intense questioning regarding the intelligence used to justify the escalating conflict.
