The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell Lawrence: Tulsi Gabbard again refuses to admit Trump lied about an ‘imminent threat’ in Iran
Mar 20, 2026
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island senator and former federal prosecutor, breaks down the collapse of DOJ credibility under MAGA tactics. He discusses courtroom confrontations and how politicized prosecutions hurt legitimate cases. Short, sharp takes on Iran intelligence claims, oversight fights, and the fallout for justice institutions.
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DNI Refusal To Call Iran An Imminent Threat
- Tulsi Gabbard refused to label Iran an imminent threat during the Worldwide Threats Assessment hearings.
- Lawrence O'Donnell argues this contradicts the DNI role of presenting threat timelines and undermines clarity for presidential decisions.
Deputy Resigns Over Iran Assessment
- Tulsi Gabbard's deputy Joe Kent resigned saying there was no imminent threat from Iran.
- His resignation publicly contrasted with Gabbard's testimony and highlighted internal disagreement.
DNI Says President Determines Imminence
- Gabbard claimed determining imminence is the president's job, not the intelligence community's.
- Critics say that reverses normal practice where the DNI presents timelines so the president can make informed decisions.