Overview
- President Trump has privately asked advisers whether to remove Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, according to reports based on anonymous sources.
- The talks followed Gabbard’s refusal at a worldwide threats hearing to denounce Joe Kent after he resigned as counterterror chief and questioned the case for strikes on Iran.
- Trump told reporters he still has confidence in Gabbard and said her thinking is different from his but still acceptable for service.
- Advisers urged against creating a leadership gap at U.S. intelligence during ongoing operations because there is no clear replacement ready.
- The reporting traces to The Guardian and was amplified by left-leaning outlets, which also highlighted recent Cabinet churn including the firing of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and reported scrutiny of Attorney General Pam Bondi.