National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, known for her criticism of previous U.S. military interventions overseas, seems to have lost favor with President Donald Trump amid considerations of military action against Iran, according to several senior administration officials familiar with the situation. Despite some tensions within the White House, Gabbard’s allies believe that the public backlash is exaggerated, and none of those interviewed by NBC News anticipate her departure from the administration due to the president’s Iran policy, even if it involves direct U.S. engagement.
Gabbard’s challenging position became apparent this week when Trump pushed back on her testimony to Congress in March. During that testimony, she stated that the U.S. intelligence community did not assess Iran as developing a nuclear weapon, a view contradicting Trump’s recent warnings about Iran’s nuclear program threat. “I don’t care what she said. I think they were very close to having one,” Trump remarked to reporters on Air Force One.
Sources indicate that the U.S. intelligence community’s stance has not changed since Gabbard’s testimony. However, Trump openly refuting his national intelligence director has raised questions about her exclusion from decision-making processes on the issue and highlights a division within Trump’s supporters regarding potential military action against Iran.
Multiple senior administration officials disclosed that Gabbard has been sidelined in internal discussions concerning the Israel-Iran conflict, with her absence from a key meeting at Camp David on June 8 further raising doubts about her standing in the administration. While Vice President JD Vance voiced support for Gabbard’s role in the national security team, others, like Sen. John Kennedy, criticized her recent comments on Iran.
In summary, Gabbard’s divergent stances on Iran, along with Trump’s reactions, have created a complex situation for top administration officials, who are navigating the delicate balance of supporting Gabbard while aligning with the administration’s policies.
Tulsi Gabbard has been using her public platform to speak out against U.S. military action towards Iran and has been working behind the scenes to find a diplomatic resolution, according to two administration officials. One instance involved Gabbard seeking assistance from European allies who have communication channels with Tehran. This approach sometimes contrasts with President Trump’s public statements about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which he has suggested may necessitate U.S. intervention.
Gabbard’s allies, speaking to NBC News, admit that a video she released on the matter did not sit well with White House officials. However, they believe that reported tensions between her and Trump have been exaggerated. Despite the backlash, they downplay the idea that she would resign over Trump’s criticism or over potential U.S. involvement in the Iran-Israel situation.
The video in question circulated widely among White House staff, prompting questions about Gabbard’s motives as tensions rise and Trump considers deeper involvement. A Republican operative familiar with administration views suggested that those with more traditional Republican and neoconservative perspectives may seek to diminish Gabbard’s influence in such situations.
In response to the video, Gabbard’s deputy chief of staff, Alexa Henning, emphasized the importance of acknowledging historical events to guide future actions. Gabbard, known for her opposition to what she views as misguided U.S. military interventions, has criticized both the Biden and Trump administrations for their approaches to Iran and foreign conflicts.
Gabbard, who is affiliated with both the Democratic Party and Trump’s 2024 campaign, has positioned herself as a staunch opponent of regime change wars. If Trump were to order military strikes on Iran, Gabbard could face a challenging political dilemma due to her anti-intervention stance.
Her alignment with Trump’s political base during the previous election cycle was seen as a break from the norm and added diversity of thought. While once welcomed within the MAGA movement, Gabbard’s unorthodox views now set her apart as an outsider within the current administration.
The person remarked that one should not be surprised to have a Chihuahua if they choose to adopt one, as the community is starting to unite around a policy that goes against their beliefs.
