Trump Stands by Embattled Tulsi Gabbard Amid Smear Campaign

White House denies reports of President's waning confidence in Director of National Intelligence

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:10pm

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A solitary figure stands alone in a dimly lit government office, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of isolation and political tension.As political rivals seek to undermine her authority, the embattled Director of National Intelligence remains steadfast in her commitment to the president's agenda.Washington Today

President Donald Trump is standing by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard despite pressure from her rivals to have her removed from the position. Gabbard's former deputy, Joe Kent, dramatically resigned in protest over the president's decision to go to war with Iran, leading to questions about Gabbard's loyalty. However, the White House has pushed back strongly against reports that Trump is ready to oust Gabbard, stating the president has 'total confidence' in her.

Why it matters

Tulsi Gabbard's position as Director of National Intelligence has come under scrutiny amid the ongoing war in Iran and her perceived differences with the president on foreign policy. Her rivals are seeking to undermine her and force Trump to replace her, which could have significant implications for the administration's intelligence operations and decision-making.

The details

Gabbard's rivals, including allies of Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was recently fired by the president, have been questioning Gabbard's loyalty to the mission in Iran and advocating for her removal. However, the White House has strongly denied these reports, stating that Trump has 'total confidence' in Gabbard and that any suggestions otherwise are 'fake news'. The administration has suggested that the reports about Gabbard's potential ouster are the result of 'bitter infighting within the Washington intelligence community'.

  • Gabbard was spotted at the White House as recently as Wednesday evening, where she attended the President's late-night national address regarding Iran.
  • Bondi was fired by the president on Thursday.

The players

Tulsi Gabbard

The current Director of National Intelligence, appointed by President Trump. Gabbard is a former Democratic Congresswoman who has long rallied against US foreign interventionism.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who has expressed confidence in Gabbard's leadership as Director of National Intelligence.

Pam Bondi

The former Attorney General, who was recently fired by President Trump. An ally of Bondi has proposed that she replace Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence.

Joe Kent

Gabbard's former deputy, who made a dramatic exit and resigned in protest over the president's decision to go to war with Iran.

Steven Cheung

A White House spokesman who issued a statement denying reports of Trump's waning confidence in Gabbard.

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What they’re saying

“President Trump has total confidence in Director Gabbard, and any insinuation otherwise is totally fake news.”

— Steven Cheung, White House spokesman

“The DC establishment, including the CIA, is always after her because of her efforts to reveal their lies to the American people. She's doing exactly what POTUS tasked her to do. You'll notice there are never hit pieces on the CIA.”

— Administration official

“Yeah, sure. She's a little different in her thought process than me, but that doesn't make somebody not available to serve.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

The White House has indicated that President Trump has no plans to remove Tulsi Gabbard from her position as Director of National Intelligence, despite pressure from her rivals. It remains to be seen how the ongoing tensions within the administration and the intelligence community will play out.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the political divisions and infighting that can occur within the upper echelons of government, even within the Trump administration. Gabbard's unorthodox views on foreign policy have made her a target for her rivals, who are seeking to undermine her authority and influence. However, the president's continued support for Gabbard suggests that he values her unique perspective and is willing to stand by her despite the pressure to remove her.