Fact Check: Trump has sidelined National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard in Iran discussions.

Fact Check: "Trump has sidelined National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard in Iran discussions."

What We Know

The claim that President Donald Trump has sidelined National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard in discussions regarding Iran is supported by several reports. Gabbard, who has publicly stated that Iran is not actively pursuing a nuclear weapon, has found herself at odds with Trump's more aggressive stance on Iran, which he believes is "very close" to developing nuclear capabilities (AP News). Reports indicate that Gabbard did not attend a significant meeting at Camp David on June 8, 2025, where top officials discussed tensions between Israel and Iran, which suggests she may not be playing a central role in these discussions (NBC News, Yahoo News).

Moreover, sources indicate that Trump has increasingly relied on a smaller, more experienced group of advisors, sidelining Gabbard and others who are less experienced in national security matters (Washington Post). This shift in focus has been attributed to Trump's desire for a more strategic approach amid escalating tensions with Iran.

Analysis

The evidence suggests that while Gabbard holds the official title of National Intelligence Director, her influence and involvement in key discussions about Iran have diminished. Trump's public dismissal of her assessments, stating, "I don’t care what she said," highlights a clear divide between his views and those of his intelligence director (AP News).

However, it is important to note that Gabbard has publicly defended her position, asserting that her views align with Trump's, which complicates the narrative of her being entirely sidelined (AP News). Additionally, the Trump administration has denied that Gabbard and another advisor, Pete Hegseth, have been sidelined, suggesting that they are still engaged in discussions, albeit perhaps not in the same capacity as other advisors (News Nation).

The reliability of the sources varies; while major news outlets like AP and NBC are generally credible, the claims of sidelining are also based on anonymous sources, which can sometimes lead to questions about accuracy. The administration's denial of sidelining Gabbard also adds a layer of complexity, as official statements may aim to project unity within the administration.

Conclusion

The claim that Trump has sidelined Tulsi Gabbard in discussions about Iran is Partially True. While there is evidence that Gabbard's role has diminished and that she was not included in a key meeting, her public statements suggest she still maintains some level of engagement with the administration. The conflicting narratives from both Gabbard and the Trump administration indicate that while she may not be at the forefront of discussions, she is not completely excluded from the decision-making process.

Fact Check: Trump has sidelined National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard in Iran discussions.