Fact Check: Trump Dismisses Gabbard's Iran Nuclear Assessment for the Second Time This Week
What We Know
On June 17, 2025, President Donald Trump publicly dismissed the assessment of U.S. intelligence agencies regarding Iran's nuclear program, specifically contradicting his Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard. Gabbard had testified earlier that year that Iran was not actively pursuing the development of a nuclear weapon, a position supported by U.S. intelligence reports (AP News). In response to a reporter's question about Gabbard's testimony, Trump stated, "I don't care what she said," and asserted that Iran was "very close" to having a nuclear bomb (BBC).
On June 20, 2025, Trump reiterated his dismissal of Gabbard's assessment, stating, "She's wrong," when asked about her earlier comments (New York Times). This marked the second occasion within a week that Trump publicly contradicted Gabbard's position on Iran's nuclear capabilities.
Analysis
The claim that Trump dismissed Gabbard's assessment for the second time within a week is supported by multiple credible sources. Trump's comments aboard Air Force One on June 17 and again on June 20 clearly indicate his disagreement with Gabbard's assessment that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon. The consistency of his statements across different days reinforces the validity of the claim.
The sources used in this analysis are reputable news organizations, including the Associated Press, New York Times, and BBC, which are known for their journalistic standards and fact-checking protocols. The Associated Press article provides a detailed account of the events, including Gabbard's testimony and Trump's responses, while the New York Times and BBC articles corroborate the timeline and content of Trump's statements (AP News, New York Times, BBC).
While Gabbard's position is backed by U.S. intelligence assessments, Trump's comments reflect a longstanding pattern of skepticism towards intelligence agencies, which he has previously labeled as part of a "deep state" (AP News). This context is crucial for understanding the dynamics between Trump and Gabbard, especially given her controversial background and past criticisms of U.S. intelligence operations.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Trump dismissed Gabbard's Iran nuclear assessment for the second time within a week is accurate. Trump's statements on both June 17 and June 20 clearly indicate his disagreement with Gabbard's position, which aligns with the reporting from multiple reliable sources. This pattern of dismissal underscores the ongoing tensions between Trump and the intelligence community, as well as the complexities of U.S. foreign policy regarding Iran.
