Tulsi Gabbard was supposed to bring clarity to U.S. intelligence.
Instead, she’s bringing drama, dissent, and a Hiroshima-themed warning about nuclear war.
There’s a chance Gabbard gets booted. Polymarket traders put it at 32% for this year. Before July is less likely at 4%. But increasing public spats could change that.
From a public slapdown by Trump to internal watchdog drama, here’s why the DNI is suddenly one of the most controversial figures in Washington.
The Testimony That Sparked a Firestorm
Gabbard told Congress in March that Iran wasn’t building a nuclear weapon. The comment was meant to de-escalate. It did the opposite.
Trump’s Public Rebuke (Twice)
Trump didn’t let it slide. He called Gabbard “wrong” and “misguided” — twice. The message was clear: her assessment didn’t reflect the White House line.
A Quick and Awkward Reversal
Facing backlash, Gabbard walked it back. She now says Iran could build a bomb in weeks and blamed the media for twisting her words. Not a great look.
A Misleading Video from the White House
Then the White House dropped a slick, selectively edited clip that made her sound like she was spoiling for a fight. Critics saw it as an internal hit job.
DNI Power Could Be Getting Gutted
Behind the scenes, the administration is talking about folding Gabbard’s DNI role into the CIA. Translation: she might be on borrowed time.
But She’s Still in the Room
Despite all the drama, Gabbard was spotted in the Situation Room during U.S. strikes on Iran. She hasn’t been sidelined — yet.
Watchdog Trouble
Gabbard’s top adviser, Dennis Kirk, was quietly placed in the DNI’s inspector general office — while still reporting to her. Oversight? Or overreach?
The Nuclear Warning That Raised Eyebrows
Then came her Hiroshima moment: a grim video warning of nuclear annihilation and elites with bunkers. Some said brave. Others said bonkers.
Allies Are Quiet. Critics Are Getting Louder
Few in the GOP are defending her. Intelligence veterans are sounding the alarm. Trumpworld? Split — some want her gone, others say she’s being scapegoated.
Is This the Endgame or Just the Beginning?
Gabbard is defiant. But the knives are out, and her influence is under threat. If she goes, it won’t be quiet.
