Joe Kent, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center and a key deputy to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, abruptly stepped down Tuesday, sending shockwaves through D.C. The reason? A sharp disagreement over what insiders are calling “Operation Epic Fury,” with Kent reportedly arguing that Iran did not pose an imminent threat and that military action lacked sufficient justification.
That’s not a small disagreement—it’s a direct challenge to the core of national security decision-making. And it immediately raised a bigger question: how would Gabbard respond?
Her answer came fast—and it was unmistakable. Taking to social media, Gabbard made it clear that the final call rests with one person: President Donald Trump. As commander-in-chief, Trump determines what constitutes an imminent threat, not internal dissenters.
🚨@DNIGabbard gives update to Operation Epic Fury:
“Epic Fury is advancing fundamental change in the region that began with Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7th 2023 and continue with the 12-day war last year resulting in weakening Iran and its proxies.
The regime in… pic.twitter.com/joj9h8AP8C
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) March 18, 2026
By Wednesday, Gabbard showed no signs of backing down. Sitting before the Senate Intelligence Committee during the high-stakes Worldwide Threats Hearing, she addressed a range of global dangers—but all eyes were on her assessment of Iran.
Her message was blunt. Iran is weakened—but far from finished.
According to Gabbard, the regime remains intact but has been significantly degraded, particularly in leadership and military capability. Its ability to project conventional military power has been largely dismantled, leaving it with limited operational reach. Still, she warned that Iran’s strategic position, while diminished, remains a concern.
Then came a broader warning—one that shifted focus beyond Iran alone.
Gabbard highlighted the growing threat of Islamist ideology, pointing specifically to groups and individuals using it to recruit, fund, and expand terrorist networks worldwide. She underscored the long-term objective of establishing a global caliphate governed by Sharia law, framing it as a direct challenge to Western values.
🚨This Admin is working day in and day out to keep Americans SAFE!
Based on CBP Data:
—January ’26 monthly encounters are down 83.8% compared to January ’25
—Encounters declined 79% compared to ’24
—Fentanyl overdose deaths: 30% decrease from 9/2024 to 9/2025“The strict… pic.twitter.com/s2cbXTsQvJ
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) March 18, 2026
Her remarks didn’t stop there. She pointed to organizations linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, calling them a fundamental threat to freedom and the principles underpinning Western civilization. She also noted that Europe is already seeing increasing examples of these ideological movements gaining traction.
In a move that drew attention, Gabbard praised President Trump’s decision to designate certain Muslim Brotherhood chapters as foreign terrorist organizations, describing it as a key step in protecting Americans.
But the hearing wasn’t just about foreign threats—it also touched on a major domestic issue: the border.
Gabbard credited the administration’s strict enforcement policies for dramatically reducing illegal immigration, arguing that deterrence has been effective. However, she issued a warning that increased pressure on drug cartels could force them to adapt, potentially shifting trafficking routes, production locations, and tactics.
🚨 BREAKING: DNI Tulsi Gabbard just WENT HARD against the rampant spread of Islamists and Sharia Law across the West, especially Europe
She NAILED it! 👏🏻
“Islamist groups and individuals use this ideology for recruiting and financial support for terrorist groups and individuals… pic.twitter.com/dpw2SRQWuo
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 18, 2026
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Kent’s resignation continues to simmer. While senators largely avoided pressing questions on the matter during the hearing, the White House made its position crystal clear.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump still supports Gabbard—and issued a stark warning to anyone inside the administration.
Anyone suspected of leaking, she said, will not be welcome. Investigations are already underway, and accountability is coming.
