Is Tulsi Gabbard Losing Influence in Trump’s Inner Circle Amid Iran Tensions?

🇺🇸 Gabbard’s Position in Trump World Faces New Uncertainty

As the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, questions are mounting over Tulsi Gabbard’s standing in the Trump administration. Once hailed as a bold anti-war voice and MAGA-aligned intelligence chief, Gabbard now appears to be drifting to the margins of Trump’s inner circle.

While she remains Director of National Intelligence, her recent statements on Iran — and the president’s dismissive response to them — raise concerns about her long-term influence within the administration.

Gabbard’s Testimony vs. Trump’s Instincts

Earlier this year, Gabbard testified that Iran was not close to developing a nuclear weapon. But President Trump has twice dismissed that claim publicly. “I don’t care what she said. I think they were very close to having one,” Trump said during a media appearance aboard Air Force One.

By Friday, he went further, explicitly stating that Gabbard was “wrong” in her assessment. This widening rift signals a possible shift in the president’s trust in his intelligence chief — a stark contrast to the MAGA loyalty that once cemented her nomination.

Why Trump Chose Gabbard

Tulsi Gabbard’s appointment was a political surprise. Though a former Democrat, her anti-interventionist stance and support for Trump during the 2024 campaign made her a natural fit for the America First foreign policy agenda.

“She was rewarded for sticking by Trump and her strong military-focused messaging,” a Trump ally said. Her progressive roots and military background positioned her as a bridge between factions — but that bridge now seems fragile.

The Hiroshima Video That Stirred Controversy

Gabbard recently posted a personal video after visiting Hiroshima, reflecting on the human cost of nuclear warfare. In it, she warned against escalating tensions between nuclear powers and condemned “political elites and warmongers” for stirring fear.

While the video resonated with many peace advocates, it reportedly ruffled feathers in Trump World. Critics saw it as undermining the White House’s messaging — especially as Trump weighs whether to bomb Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, which is heavily fortified and buried deep underground.

Tensions Behind the Scenes

Despite Gabbard’s visible presence in Situation Room briefings this past week, reports suggest Trump is increasingly leaning on Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Gen. Dan Caine for advice on the Israeli-Iranian conflict.

“She was absent from the Camp David strategy session,” one official noted, adding that she was on National Guard duty at the time. Still, her absence has fueled speculation about her influence slipping.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt attempted to downplay the reports, emphasizing that the president continues to hear from “all voices” and that “diplomacy is his first option.”

Congressional Response: Mixed Signals

Lawmakers are divided on Gabbard’s role. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, voiced concern over Trump possibly ignoring her input. “There’s been no change in intelligence since Gabbard’s original testimony,” Warner said. “If this president wants to ignore the intelligence community, we’re in dangerous territory.”

At the same time, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) criticized Gabbard for allegedly shaping intelligence to fit a predetermined narrative. “She starts with the conclusion, then finds the evidence — not the other way around. That’s dangerous.”

Strong Pushback From Gabbard’s Team

In response to mounting speculation, Gabbard’s press secretary Olivia Coleman slammed the media coverage as “lazy regurgitation of fake news” and emphasized the Director’s commitment to her duties.

“Director Gabbard remains focused on providing accurate intelligence to the president and national security leaders,” Coleman stated. “She’s working every day to clean up the Deep State and ensure the safety of the American people.”

Vice President J.D. Vance also came to her defense, praising Gabbard as “a veteran, a patriot, and a vital part of the 2024 Trump coalition.”

A Voice for Peace — Still MAGA-Aligned?

Gabbard has long advocated for a non-interventionist foreign policy. Her opposition to endless wars in the Middle East initially put her at odds with both parties — but in Trump’s MAGA movement, her views found fertile ground.

Her criticism of Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal and the killing of Iranian General Soleimani during his first term once seemed like dealbreakers. Yet her staunch anti-war perspective also made her one of the few figures to blend progressive ideals with MAGA realism.

Is her voice still shaping Trump’s thinking, or is she being sidelined in favor of more hawkish figures?

What’s Next for Gabbard?

President Trump has said he will decide within the next two weeks whether to escalate U.S. involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict. Whether Gabbard’s counsel factors into that decision remains to be seen.

While the White House insists on unity within the national security team, the growing public tension tells a different story. If Trump continues to sideline Gabbard’s input in favor of military advisers with a more aggressive stance, her role as Director of National Intelligence could become increasingly symbolic — or short-lived.

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