Tensions Mount Between President Trump and DNI Tulsi Gabbard
The White House atmosphere has been charged recently, not only because of escalating conflicts in the Middle East but also due to growing discord between President Donald Trump and his Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Tulsi Gabbard. What began with a cryptic early-morning video from Gabbard has since evolved into a very public clash, revealing underlying disagreements within the administration.
1. The Spark: A Controversial Video
On June 10, Tulsi Gabbard posted a brief but pointed video warning that the world was dangerously close to "nuclear annihilation"—a consequence of "political elites and warmongers" exacerbating tensions between nuclear powers. The timing and tone immediately struck a nerve with the President, who perceived it as a challenge to his administration’s stance.
2. Trump’s Furious Response
The video was shared without prior approval, fueling Trump’s frustration. A senior administration official revealed that many interpreted Gabbard’s message as a rebuke of the administration’s policies. Sources confirm the President personally expressed his displeasure directly to Gabbard.
3. Diverging Views on Iran
While Trump leans toward supporting Israel against Iran, Gabbard has consistently urged caution, warning against deeper U.S. involvement. This difference was spotlighted during her March Senate testimony, where she stated that Iran was not actively pursuing a nuclear weapon — a claim the President later dismissed.
4. Air Force One Snap
Traveling back from the G7 summit, Trump was questioned about Gabbard’s testimony. He bluntly replied, "I don't care what she said. I think they were very close to having a weapon," signaling a clear public break from his Intelligence Chief on the matter.
5. A Fractured Relationship
Despite no personal animosity, officials suggest the President’s regard for Gabbard has cooled significantly, attributing it largely to the viral video. One insider noted Trump believes she “doesn't add anything to any conversation,” highlighting a widening professional rift.
6. Gabbard Maintains They Are Aligned
Contrary to public perception, Gabbard insists there is no feud. She states, "President Trump was saying the same thing I outlined in my March threat assessment." Allies of Gabbard echo that the two share similar views on Iran, despite external disagreements.
7. Still Part of the Inner Circle—for Now
Gabbard continues to participate in briefings and was present for a recent Situation Room meeting concerning Iran. However, insiders comment that attendance doesn’t necessarily equate to influence or effectiveness within the administration right now.
8. Not Invited to the Camp David Summit
Notably, Gabbard was excluded from a key Camp David meeting on Iran before Israel's preemptive strikes. Commentary from political figures suggests this exclusion reflects deeper strategic disagreements and hints at plans pushing toward regime change in Iran.
9. Allies Come to Gabbard’s Defense
Vice President JD Vance publicly praised Gabbard as "a veteran, a patriot, a loyal supporter of President Trump, and a critical part of the coalition he built in 2024," underscoring her continued value to some factions within the administration.
10. Eyeing 2028?
Gabbard has not ruled out running for president again in 2028. Her future within the Trump administration may heavily depend on how the unfolding Iran crisis is managed and resolves.
The growing fissure between President Trump and Director Tulsi Gabbard spotlights the complex dynamics behind U.S. intelligence assessments and foreign policy decisions amid rising Middle East tensions. While both claim alignment on key issues like Iran’s nuclear ambitions, their public disagreements reveal a White House navigating internal divisions at a pivotal moment.
