Exclusive: Trump Polls Advisers on Replacing Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard
In a significant development within the Trump administration, President Donald Trump has privately consulted cabinet officials in recent weeks about the possibility of replacing his Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard. According to two sources briefed on the discussions, Trump's frustration stems from Gabbard's testimony that appeared to shield a former deputy who undermined the administration's rationale for war with Iran.
Pressure Mounts Over Iran War Testimony
The president's doubts about Gabbard intensified following her appearance at the worldwide threats hearing on Capitol Hill last month. During the testimony, Gabbard declined to condemn Joe Kent, who had resigned days earlier after arguing that Iran did not pose an imminent threat to the United States. Trump was already angered by Kent's criticism, but he expressed particular displeasure with Gabbard's perceived defense of Kent and her reluctance to support the administration's position on attacking Iran.
It remains unclear whether Trump will actually fire Gabbard over this episode. Currently, there is no standout candidate to assume the role, and advisers have warned that creating a high-profile vacancy without a ready successor could lead to unhelpful political distractions. However, Trump's discussions signal an ominous turn for Gabbard, as the president often polls his advisers when seriously considering personnel changes.
Mixed Endorsement and White House Defense
When asked on Sunday whether he still had confidence in Gabbard's leadership, Trump offered a mixed endorsement. Aboard Air Force One, he told reporters, "Yeah, sure. I mean, she's a little bit different in her thought process than me, but that doesn't make somebody not available to serve." In response, White House spokesperson Steven Cheung defended Gabbard's tenure, stating that Trump has confidence in her and highlighting the cabinet's historic victories.
Gabbard's testimony that frustrated Trump aligns with her longstanding criticism of U.S. involvement in foreign wars and her previous statements to Congress in 2019, where she argued that the president could not legally order pre-emptive attacks. Her remarks were reportedly workshopped with the CIA in advance of the hearings, and she has been spending nearly every day at the White House in support of the war in Iran.
Perceived Transgressions and Internal Tensions
Despite moments of favor with Trump, such as producing a report asserting Russia did not boost his 2016 campaign, Gabbard has accumulated a list of perceived transgressions. As early as last June, Trump became irritated by a video Gabbard recorded warning about the horrors of nuclear war after visiting Hiroshima, feeling it would scare people unnecessarily. Weeks later, Trump publicly contradicted her testimony that Iran had not decided to build a nuclear bomb, authorizing strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Gabbard also faced White House ire after revoking security clearances for 37 people, including congressional aides, without prior consultation. In the fallout, her allies accused the CIA of trying to manufacture a pretext for her ouster, leading to a White House-mediated truce.
Olivia Coleman, a spokesperson for Gabbard, stated that she remains committed to her responsibilities, noting Trump's expressions of confidence. However, with Trump's aversion to outright firings in his second term—often moving officials to other roles, as seen with Kristi Noem's demotion—the future of Gabbard's position remains uncertain amid ongoing tensions over national security and foreign policy.
