It would have been more honorable of her if she had resigned under protest rather than being fired for insubordination. That's a respectable action.  She's part of the Adminstration and the President is her ultimate boss. If she wanted to influence a national debate she should could have been more powerful from a position of honor. Now she's just seen as a political player.  Everyone in the Administration who does not support the President should resign under protest. People often find themselves conflicted with their boss and stabbing him/her in the back is a cowardly act.