In a notable shift within President Donald Trump’s administration, reports now indicate that both Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth have been excluded from significant decision-making processes.
This development comes amid rising tensions regarding U.S. policy toward Iran, particularly as the administration considers a potential military response.
According to a recent article in The Washington Post, Gabbard and Hegseth, who hold key positions in the administration, are no longer central figures in discussions related to military strategy and foreign policy.
Current and former officials suggest that Vice President JD Vance, Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe have emerged as the primary advisors influencing Trump’s decisions on Iran.
The sidelining of Gabbard and Hegseth appears to be linked to differing views on U.S. military intervention. Gabbard has recently criticized what she terms “political elite warmongers,” a comment many within the White House interpreted as a direct rebuke of Trump’s approach to Israel’s military options against Iran.
This criticism reportedly did not sit well with Trump, who values loyalty and alignment within his inner circle.
An unnamed source quoted in The Washington Post stated, “Nobody is talking to Hegseth,” indicating a complete lack of communication between the Secretary of Defense and the White House regarding operational matters.
This stark exclusion raises questions about the dynamics within Trump’s administration, particularly as global tensions escalate.
In response to the reports, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell dismissed claims of Hegseth’s sidelining as “completely false,” asserting that the Secretary maintains daily communication with Trump, including recent discussions in the Situation Room.
Similarly, Gabbard’s press secretary emphasized her commitment to providing actionable intelligence and addressing issues of national security.
The evolving relationships within Trump’s cabinet reflect broader themes of loyalty and ideological alignment, particularly as the administration faces mounting pressure to act decisively in foreign affairs.
As the situation with Iran develops, the exclusion of Gabbard and Hegseth from key discussions may signal a shift toward a more hawkish stance, driven by the President’s closest advisors.
As the administration navigates these complex issues, the sidelining of prominent figures like Gabbard and Hegseth illustrates the precarious balance of power within Trump’s inner circle, where dissenting voices may find themselves increasingly marginalized in favor of a more unified, aggressive approach to foreign policy.
[READ MORE: Iran Warns of ‘All-Out War’ If U.S. Enters Conflict]
