Trending Now - Trump Consults Aides on Potential Gabbard Replacement as Intel Chief
WHO:
The Guardian - President Trump, Tulsi Gabbard, Joe Kent, Steven Cheung, Kristi Noem, Olivia Coleman
Alternet - President Trump, Tulsi Gabbard, Joe Kent
WHAT:
The Guardian - Trump has privately asked cabinet officials whether he should replace Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence.
The Guardian - Trump expressed frustration that Gabbard shielded a former deputy who undercut his rationale for war with Iran.
The Guardian - Trump offered a mixed endorsement of Gabbard, stating, “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.”
The Guardian - White House spokesperson Steven Cheung defended Gabbard’s tenure, stating that Trump has confidence in her and that she is doing tireless work.
The Guardian - Gabbard has faced criticism for her testimony regarding Iran and her handling of security clearances for 37 individuals.
Alternet - Trump has begun polling Cabinet members about Gabbard's potential replacement.
WHERE:
The Guardian - Capitol Hill, Washington D.C.
WHEN:
The Guardian - Trump’s discussions about Gabbard occurred in recent weeks leading up to April 2nd, 2026.
The Guardian - Gabbard's testimony at the worldwide threats hearing occurred in March 2026.
The Guardian - Kent resigned days before Gabbard's testimony in March 2026.
WHY:
The Guardian - Trump’s doubts about Gabbard stemmed from her testimony where she declined to condemn Joe Kent, who argued that Iran did not pose an imminent threat to the United States.
The Guardian - Trump has been averse to firing anyone outright during his second term.
HOW:
The Guardian - Trump has been polling his advisers to gauge whether a personnel change is necessary.
(UPDATED April 2, 2026 19:22 UTC)
President Trump has been privately discussing the possibility of replacing Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence, expressing frustration over her handling of a former deputy who challenged his rationale for war with Iran. While Trump offered a mixed endorsement of Gabbard, stating that her different thought process doesn't disqualify her from serving, he has also been polling cabinet members about her potential replacement. White House spokesperson Steven Cheung defended Gabbard, asserting that Trump has confidence in her and that she is working tirelessly, despite the criticism she has faced regarding her testimony and security clearances.