White House affirms confidence in Director of National Intelligence despite reports of internal discussions.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump has privately discussed the possibility of replacing Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence, according to a report from The Guardian.
The outlet reported that Trump has raised the question with advisers in recent weeks, citing frustration over Gabbard’s response to comments made by Joe Kent. Kent resigned after publicly criticizing the administration’s justification for military action involving Iran.
According to individuals familiar with the discussions, Trump was dissatisfied with Gabbard’s decision not to condemn Kent following his departure. The report states that the president viewed her stance as insufficiently supportive of the administration’s position.
It remains unclear whether any personnel change is imminent. Advisers cited in the report indicated that no clear replacement has emerged and warned that creating a vacancy without a successor could present political complications.
Trump addressed Gabbard’s performance in remarks to reporters, offering a mixed assessment. “Yeah, sure,” he said when asked about his confidence in her. “I mean, she’s a little bit different in her thought process than me, but that doesn’t make somebody not available to serve.”
White House spokesman Steven Cheung issued a statement defending Gabbard’s role, emphasizing continued support from the administration. “As President Trump just said in his remarks, he has confidence in Director Gabbard and the tireless work she is doing. He has assembled the most talented and impactful cabinet ever, and they have collectively delivered historic victories on behalf of the American people,” Cheung said.
The reported discussions follow a series of developments that have drawn attention to Gabbard’s tenure. Her testimony during a congressional hearing on global threats, in which she declined to criticize Kent, was cited as a point of tension. The report noted that her comments were consistent with her previously expressed views on limiting U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts.
Additional points of friction referenced in the report include past disagreements over intelligence assessments related to Iran and internal disputes involving security clearance decisions. At one point, Gabbard revoked multiple clearances, prompting concerns within the administration before a resolution was reached.
Despite these issues, officials noted that Gabbard has maintained a visible role in administration activities, including ongoing work related to intelligence coordination and policy implementation.
A spokesperson for Gabbard said she remains focused on fulfilling her responsibilities. “She remains committed to fulfilling the responsibilities the president placed in her,” the statement said.
The situation comes amid broader reports of potential leadership changes within the administration, though no official announcements have been made regarding Gabbard’s position.
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