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  "path": "/politics/tulsi-gabbard-built-her-career-opposing-wars-but-her-silence-after-one-resignation-is-drawing-intense-scrutiny/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-18T11:00:00.000Z",
  "site": "https://attackofthefanboy.com",
  "tags": [
    "News",
    "Politics",
    "Congress",
    "Donald Trump",
    "Iran",
    "Tulsi Gabbard",
    "NBC News",
    "Strait of Hormuz",
    "pic.twitter.com/prtu86DpEr",
    "March 17, 2026",
    "Lebanon strike warnings",
    "@joekent16jan19"
  ],
  "textContent": "A top counterterrorism official has resigned over the ongoing Iran war, placing National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard under renewed scrutiny. As reported by NBC News, Joe Kent stepped down from his role leading the National Center for Counterterrorism, saying he could not in “good conscience” support the conflict and asserting that Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States.\n\nThe resignation comes at a pivotal moment for Gabbard, who built her political identity opposing U.S. military interventions, particularly “regime change” wars. Her relative silence since the U.S.-Israeli aerial assault on Iran began on February 28 has drawn attention, especially following the departure of a senior official within her own ranks.\n\nGabbard is now set to testify before the Senate Intelligence Committee. Lawmakers are expected to press her on both the administration’s justification for the war and her own stance.\n\n## The hearing puts Gabbard’s anti-war record under pressure\n\nLawmakers are expected to question whether Gabbard agrees with the administration’s claim that military action was necessary due to threats from Tehran. The hearing is likely to focus on whether intelligence assessments supported the decision to launch strikes, amid Strait of Hormuz claims that have added to the broader scrutiny.\n\n> After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today.\n>\n> I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this… pic.twitter.com/prtu86DpEr\n>\n> — Joe Kent (@joekent16jan19) March 17, 2026\n\nHours after Kent’s resignation, Gabbard issued a statement that did not directly address his departure. Instead, she emphasized that the authority to determine whether a threat is imminent rests with President Trump as commander in chief.\n\nShe said that after reviewing intelligence, Trump concluded Iran posed an imminent threat and acted accordingly. However, Gabbard did not clarify whether the intelligence community itself assessed Iran’s nuclear program, missile capabilities, or proxy forces as presenting an immediate danger.\n\nAnalysts say that omission is notable given her role overseeing U.S. intelligence agencies. Justin Logan, director of defense and foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute, said the hearing would be high stakes, noting that Gabbard must balance defending the administration while maintaining her long-standing positions.\n\nOther political figures have also weighed in. Marjorie Taylor Greene urged both Gabbard and Vice President JD Vance to speak openly following the resignation, saying that public attention on the issue is intensifying.\n\nThe White House has rejected Kent’s claims, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that the administration had strong evidence Iran was preparing an attack. President Trump also commented on the resignation, saying Kent was “weak on security” and that his departure was ultimately beneficial.\n\nPublic opinion on the war remains divided, with strong Republican support but significant opposition among Democrats and independents. The political fallout continues to build as debate over the conflict expands, with Lebanon strike warnings adding to the wider regional pressure.\n\nSenator Rand Paul described Kent as an important voice for caution, while retired Army officer Daniel Davis called his resignation an act of moral courage.",
  "title": "Tulsi Gabbard built her career opposing wars, but her silence after one resignation is drawing intense scrutiny"
}