President Donald Trump is reportedly reassessing his relationship with Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, amid rising tensions over potential US involvement in Israel’s military campaign against Iran. The rift reportedly intensified after Gabbard posted a video warning of escalating tensions between nuclear powers, which she blamed on “political elites and warmongers”. Trump, angered by what he viewed as a deviation from the administration’s messaging, is said to have confronted Gabbard in person.
++ Ryan Tedder criticises Anti-Trump protests during US army anniversary
According to reports from Politico, White House officials have voiced concerns that Gabbard is no longer contributing effectively to internal discussions. Despite this, sources say the president does not personally dislike her but is frustrated by her public remarks. Trump publicly dismissed Gabbard’s earlier congressional statement suggesting that Iran was not currently pursuing a nuclear bomb, insisting instead that Tehran was “very close” to developing one.
There is speculation that Trump may consider closing Gabbard’s office and merging its functions with the CIA, a move that would have significant implications for the oversight of US intelligence. Gabbard’s longstanding opposition to foreign military entanglements, including her criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Operation Rising Lion, has placed her at odds with parts of the administration. Despite criticism from some conservatives, she retains support from figures within Trump’s movement, including Vice President JD Vance and broadcaster Tucker Carlson.
++ Trump renews call for Russia’s G7 return, blaming expulsion for Ukraine war
White House spokesperson Steven Cheung has denied any rift, stating that the president maintains full confidence in his national security team. Gabbard, meanwhile, has not ruled out future political ambitions, suggesting during a recent interview that she remains open to opportunities to “serve [her] country”. Whether her current role remains tenable may depend on how deeply her views continue to diverge from Trump’s evolving foreign policy stance.
