Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has clashed with President Donald Trump over the direction of U.S. policy on Iran, sparking internal tension as Washington teeters on the brink of joining Israel's war effort.

Gabbard Warns of “Nuclear Annihilation,” Trump Seethes

At 5:30 a.m. on June 10, Tulsi Gabbard released a video warning that “political elites and warmongers” were driving the world toward nuclear catastrophe. The unsanctioned post—delivered just days after hawkish Israeli officials met Trump at the White House—was perceived by the president as a veiled challenge to his authority.

Three senior administration sources confirmed that Trump was enraged by the video and confronted Gabbard directly, interpreting her remarks as a public correction of his Iran policy. “She spoke out of turn,” one official said, adding Trump “doesn’t like it when people are off message.”

Rift Deepens as War Cabinet Marginalizes Gabbard

Although Gabbard insisted she and Trump are “on the same page,” signs of a rift have grown. Trump reportedly mused about eliminating the Office of the Director of National Intelligence altogether—an idea floated since her appointment. Discussions have taken place about folding her role into the CIA.

The White House also questioned her recent trip to Hiroshima, which included an emotional appeal against nuclear war. The visit, coordinated with the National Security Council, reportedly baffled some West Wing aides.

GOP Hawks and MAGA Voices Diverge

While MAGA-aligned Vice President JD Vance defended Gabbard as “an essential member” of Trump’s team, conservative hawks like John Bolton called for her removal. Even Trump allies like Steve Bannon questioned her absence from a key Camp David meeting on Israel policy, suggesting she’s being frozen out of decision-making.

“She shouldn’t be in that job,” Bolton said. Tucker Carlson added on Bannon’s podcast: “This is a regime change effort.”

Gabbard’s Political Future Unclear

Despite growing criticism, Gabbard remains in the Situation Room during high-level briefings and maintains communication with her Israeli and Gulf counterparts at Trump’s request. Her public image as a principled anti-interventionist—who once backed Trump’s peace campaign—now conflicts with an administration edging toward escalation.

In a recent podcast, Gabbard didn’t rule out a 2028 presidential run: “I will never rule out any opportunity to serve my country.”

But her standing in the Trump administration now appears precarious. “Just because you’re here doesn’t mean you’re doing a great job,” one senior official remarked.