Here’s what America needs to know.
President Trump’s top intelligence chief, Tulsi Gabbard, is under fire amid rising tensions in the Middle East—and rising questions about her future in the administration.
Trump tapped Gabbard for the role of Director of National Intelligence in 2024, rewarding her America First, anti-interventionist stance. But now, her recent statements on Iran’s nuclear program are clashing with the President’s more forceful position.
⚠️ Split at the Top?
Trump has twice dismissed Gabbard’s testimony that Iran is not close to building a nuclear bomb. That’s fueling speculation that Gabbard is losing favor as the White House considers tough military options in response to Iranian aggression.
“She was a loyal supporter in 2024, but now she’s not on the inside track,” said one Trump ally. “Trump is focused on action—Gabbard’s focused on messaging.”
💥 Viral Video Sparks Backlash
The controversy intensified after Gabbard posted a video from Hiroshima warning against nuclear war. In it, she blasted “political elites” for stoking tension with nuclear powers—just as Trump was preparing key decisions on the Israeli-Iran conflict.
To many in the America First movement, her message felt off-key.
“This is not the time to go soft,” said one senior official. “President Trump is exploring real options, including airstrikes on Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility. The last thing he needs is mixed signals.”
🛑 White House Pushes Back
Gabbard’s office called the reports of a rift “false and lazy.” Press Secretary Olivia Coleman blasted the media, saying:
“Director Gabbard is fully engaged in briefing President Trump and Vice President Vance daily. Fake sources are trying to create a story that doesn’t exist. The Deep State hates that she’s cleaning house.”
💬 Praise from Trump Allies
Vice President JD Vance praised Gabbard this week as “a veteran, a patriot, and a vital part of President Trump’s winning coalition.” But her no-show at a scheduled Senate Intelligence briefing raised eyebrows.
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) confirmed she canceled last-minute due to urgent White House meetings. Still, Democrats seized the moment.
Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) said, “We have no idea what the Trump administration’s policy on Iran even is. Gabbard’s saying one thing, Trump’s doing another.”
🇺🇸 Trump: America First, Not Confused
Trump hasn’t minced words. When asked about Gabbard’s March comments on Iran’s nuclear status, he replied:
“I don’t care what she said. I think they were very close to having one.”
On Friday, Trump doubled down, saying she was flat-out “wrong” on Iran.
Though Gabbard attended several Situation Room meetings last week, insiders say the President is now relying more on voices like Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine.
🧠 Deep State Still in the Crosshairs
Gabbard once criticized Trump for pulling out of the Iran deal and for taking out an Iranian general during his first term. While she has since embraced the America First movement, critics now say her messaging is too soft for the current crisis.
Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) accused her of “working backward”—starting with conclusions and cherry-picking intelligence to match.
But the White House is standing firm.
“President Trump’s national security team is the best in modern history,” said Communications Director Steven Cheung. “Efforts by the legacy media to divide them will fail. Peace through strength works. Period.”
⚔️ What’s Next?
President Trump says a decision on potential strikes could come within two weeks. “Diplomacy is always our first option,” he noted. But he’s made it clear—if Iran is playing with fire, America will respond with strength.
For now, Gabbard remains in her post. But in Trump’s White House, loyalty and results matter. The clock may be ticking.
