President Donald Trump has privately asked his advisers if he should replace Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. This comes amid tensions within the administration over testimony related to the Iran war, according to a report from The Guardian. The report noted that Trump became frustrated after Gabbard refused to condemn former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent during a Capitol Hill hearing last month.
Kent had resigned just days earlier, disputing the administration’s claim that Iran posed an imminent threat to the United States.
This reported conflict adds to a public division that has been apparent for several days. When asked on Sunday aboard Air Force One if he still trusted Gabbard, Trump responded, “Yeah, sure,” but added that she thinks differently than he does.
The Guardian: Trump polled advisers about replacing Tulsi Gabbard as intelligence chief
President Trump has privately asked cabinet officials in recent weeks whether he should replace his director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, venting frustration that she shielded a…
— Politics & Poll Tracker 📡 (@PollTracker2024) April 2, 2026
Reuters reported that Trump also described Gabbard as less aggressive on Iran’s nuclear issue, although he stated that she was still able to do her job.
At the heart of the disagreement is Joe Kent, a close ally of Gabbard who resigned in mid-March. Kent stated in his resignation letter that Iran did not present an imminent threat to the United States and that he could not support the war.
During later congressional testimony, intelligence officials were questioned on that assertion. According to The Guardian, Trump was upset when Gabbard did not directly criticize Kent during the hearing, which seems to have raised doubts about her position in the White House.
Gabbard has attempted to publicly support the president while subtly differing in her tone and emphasis. Reuters reported on March 19 that she indicated that the war aims of the U.S. and Israel were not the same. Israel aims to disable Iran’s leadership, while Trump focuses on Iran’s ballistic missile program and navy.
Rep. Gomez: You said Iran was not building a nuclear weapon last year, Trump said you were wrong. Were they weeks away from getting a nuclear weapon?
Tulsi Gabbard: It would be a disservice to you and the American people to answer this question pic.twitter.com/425Grq76cV
— Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) March 19, 2026
This statement came as Trump ramped up his rhetoric regarding the war. In his April 1 address to the nation, he claimed that U.S. forces were “on track to complete” their mission and that the war’s strategic objectives were nearly finished.
The White House has publicly tried to downplay rumors of a split. Steven Cheung, Trump’s spokesperson, told the publication that the president has confidence in Gabbard and praised her hard work.
However, The Guardian reported that Trump has been discussing with Cabinet officials in recent weeks whether she should stay in the role. The report also mentioned that no clear replacement has emerged, which could complicate any effort to remove her.
Any changes at the top of the intelligence community would occur at a critical moment in the Iran war, which has already caused internal strain, mixed messages to the public, and scrutiny over the administration’s reasons for military action.
For now, Gabbard remains in her position, and the White House claims that Trump still supports her. However, the combination of Kent’s resignation, Gabbard’s testimony, and Trump’s own comments has brought renewed attention to how much room dissent has within an administration striving to appear united on Iran.
