Tulsi Gabbard Resigns As Trump’s Intelligence Chief Amid Growing Tensions Over Iran Policy
Tulsi Gabbard Resigns As Trump’s Intelligence Chief Amid Growing Tensions Over Iran Policy Curated By, Last Updated: May 22, 2026, 22:53 IST Tulsi Gabbard resigns
Tulsi Gabbard Resigns As Trump’s Intelligence Chief Amid Growing Tensions Over Iran Policy Curated By, Last Updated: May 22, 2026, 22:53 IST Tulsi Gabbard resigns as Director of Intelligence in President Donald Trumps administration, signaling a major White House shake-up over US policy toward Iran. Tulsi Gabbard. (AFP filephoto) Tulsi Gabbard has resigned as Director of Intelligence in President Donald Trump’s administration, according to reports, marking a major shake-up in the White House amid divisions over the US approach toward Iran. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman and longtime critic of foreign military interventions, had served as Trump’s top intelligence official since February 2025 after being confirmed by the Senate.
She became the first Hindu American and first female military combat veteran to hold the post. Her resignation comes months after increasing speculation about tensions inside the administration over the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Trump had reportedly expressed frustration with Gabbard’s stance on intelligence assessments and her handling of officials who questioned the administration’s justification for military action against Tehran. Questions over Gabbard’s future intensified after the resignation of senior intelligence official Joe Kent, who stepped down over disagreements related to the Iran war. At the time, observers speculated Gabbard — known for her anti-war views — could also eventually leave the administration. Despite earlier reports suggesting she remained committed to her role, Gabbard’s departure now represents one of the highest-profile exits from Trump’s national security team.
During her tenure, Gabbard oversaw major changes within the intelligence community, including restructuring operations, budget cuts and revoking security clearances for dozens of former officials. Some supporters praised her efforts to reduce politicisation in intelligence agencies, while critics accused her of pushing partisan reforms. Gabbard’s time in office was also marked by controversy surrounding intelligence assessments on Iran, domestic investigations and disagreements over the role of US intelligence agencies. The White House has not yet publicly announced who will replace Gabbard. Under the succession structure of the Office of the Director of Intelligence, senior deputies could temporarily assume responsibilities until a permanent successor is chosen. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: May 22, 2026, 22:47 IST News world Tulsi Gabbard Resigns As Trump’s Intelligence Chief Amid Growing Tensions Over Iran Policy Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s.
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