Trump Secretly 'Scolded' Top Goon Who Embarrassed Him in Public

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According to reports, President Donald Trump privately scolded Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard after she failed to fully endorse his administration's hawkish stance on Iran during recent Congressional testimony. Trump was reportedly displeased that Gabbard did not wholeheartedly back the president's push for military action against Iran, leading to a tense private meeting where the president 'questioned her loyalty.' However, Trump's longtime adviser Roger Stone is said to have intervened on Gabbard's behalf, convincing the president to keep her in her role.

Why it matters

The reported clash between Trump and Gabbard highlights ongoing tensions within the administration over foreign policy, particularly regarding the president's aggressive posturing towards Iran. As the head of the U.S. intelligence community, Gabbard's assessment of the Iranian threat is seen as crucial, and her perceived disloyalty to the president's agenda has raised concerns about potential political interference in intelligence matters. The involvement of Trump confidante Roger Stone also adds an additional layer of intrigue, potentially signaling a power struggle within the president's inner circle.

The details

According to Axios, Trump 'scolded' Gabbard and 'questioned her loyalty' after she did not enthusiastically endorse the administration's push for war with Iran during recent Congressional testimony. The president was reportedly displeased that Gabbard had assessed that Iran was not actively building a nuclear weapon, contradicting the White House's claims used to justify strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Tensions escalated further when Gabbard wrote to the Senate stating that Iran had made 'no efforts' to rebuild its nuclear capabilities since Trump's attacks. The White House had also pressured Gabbard to fire her former counterterrorism chief, Joe Kent, who had resigned over the Iran conflict.

• In March 2025, Gabbard testified before Congress that U.S. intelligence had assessed Iran was not building a nuclear weapon.
• In March 2026, the day after Kent's resignation, Trump privately 'scolded' Gabbard over her stance on the Iran conflict.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The White House has not indicated whether Gabbard will face any further disciplinary action or if she will remain in her role as Director of National Intelligence.