JTL Thrawn initiative question

So we had a unique question come up during our pre-release tonight and wanted to touch base here to hear others opinion. After taking initiative can Thrawn use his ability to use a when defeated ability twice. I was not certain given unlike most leaders it is technically not an action but it does exhaust him in a similar fashion. I don't see any official rulings on it so some insight from others would be much appreciated.

So we had a unique question come up during our pre-release tonight and wanted to touch base here to hear others opinion. After taking initiative can Thrawn use his ability to use a when defeated ability twice. I was not certain given unlike most leaders it is technically not an action but it does exhaust him in a similar fashion. I don't see any official rulings on it so some insight from others would be much appreciated.