ODNI in the news: swirling resignations and whistleblowers place intel at the center of headlines this week. Key background: headcount and role as US intelligence oversight hub.
On March 17, 2026, Joe Kent, director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, resigned, opposing the ongoing war with Iran. Kent stated Iran posed no imminent threat and accused Israeli officials and American media of pressuring the US into conflict. His resignation marks the highest-profile dissent within the Trump administration over the Iran war.
Tulsi Gabbard has announced she will resign as Director of National Intelligence, effective June 30, 2026, saying her husband has been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer and she must step away to support him. President Trump has named Principal Deputy Aaron Lukas as acting DNI. Reports say White House officials had pressured her exit.