In a stunning development, two prominent figures within President Donald Trump’s administration, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, have reportedly fallen out of favor with the President. Following several reports, it has become clear that not only have they been excluded from key discussions on critical national security matters, but their influence has significantly diminished within the White House at a crucial juncture.
Both Gabbard and Hegseth, despite their high-ranking positions, are now sidelined from major decision-making processes, particularly with regard to the ongoing tensions with Iran.
According to The Washington Post, sources close to the White House have confirmed that Gabbard’s relationship with President Trump has deteriorated following her outspoken views on U.S. policy toward Iran. In a June 10 video, Gabbard criticized what she called “political elite warmongers” for escalating tensions between nuclear powers.
Gabbard's comments, which some insiders believe were directed at Trump’s potential approval of an Israeli strike on Iran, seem to have struck a nerve with the President.
Trump reportedly viewed Gabbard's criticism as a thinly veiled jab at his administration’s foreign policy, especially regarding Israel and Iran. A source close to the White House noted that many within the administration shared the sentiment that Gabbard had stepped out of line.
Her bold remarks, calling out the political elite, were seen as detrimental to the White House’s strategy, particularly as Trump weighed his options regarding military action in the Middle East.
While Gabbard’s press secretary, Olivia Coleman, maintains that Gabbard remains fully committed to her role, focusing on providing actionable intelligence and combating the so-called Deep State, the rift between Gabbard and the President is evident. It’s clear that the DNI’s exclusion from critical discussions on Iran marks a significant shift in her relationship with Trump, and the fallout is ongoing.
Similarly, Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of Defense, has reportedly been sidelined on military matters related to Iran. Hegseth, a trusted ally of Trump, has been largely excluded from key strategic discussions. According to the Washington Post, Hegseth is not playing a central role in the decision-making process regarding military action in the Middle East, with senior officials like Gen. Dan Caine and Gen. Erik Kurilla now playing more prominent roles.
Sources within the Pentagon have indicated that Hegseth’s influence has waned significantly. “Nobody is talking to Hegseth,” one unnamed official stated. “There is no interface operationally between Hegseth and the White House at all.” Hegseth’s exclusion from high-level talks comes as Trump and his advisers consider a potential U.S. strike against Iran.
In Hegseth’s place, Gen. Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen. Kurilla, Commander of U.S. Central Command, have assumed leadership in discussions concerning the military's role in the region.
Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell has denied these claims, asserting that Hegseth continues to communicate regularly with the President, particularly regarding military matters. According to Parnell, Hegseth remains in close contact with Trump, speaking with him multiple times a day, including during this week’s Situation Room meetings.
However, the growing divide between Hegseth and the inner circle is palpable.
At present, the key players in Trump’s inner circle regarding Iran appear to be Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Gen. Caine. These figures are said to hold the ear of the President as discussions about a potential military strike intensify.
Hegseth and Gabbard, despite their high-profile positions, seem to have lost their influence within the President’s decision-making processes.
It is important to note that the exclusion of both Gabbard and Hegseth comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East. With Iran threatening retaliation over U.S. actions in the region and Israel taking a more assertive role in the conflict, Trump’s inner circle has become more insular, with certain key figures now holding greater sway over the President’s foreign policy decisions.
The sidelining of Gabbard and Hegseth signals a shift in the balance of power within the White House, with Trump increasingly relying on a select few to navigate the volatile geopolitical situation.
As the situation in Iran continues to escalate, Trump finds himself at a crossroads. The President has been under immense pressure from both domestic and international forces to make a decisive move, but his advisors have struggled to present a unified front on the issue.
Gabbard’s strong stance against war with Iran and Hegseth’s silence on military strategy may have contributed to the growing division within the administration.
Trump’s decision-making on Iran has been a matter of intense scrutiny. His preference for unilateral action and skepticism of international diplomacy has led to tensions with some of his top advisers, especially those advocating for a more cautious approach.
The exclusion of Gabbard and Hegseth, two influential figures within the administration, may signal a shift in Trump’s approach to foreign policy—one that could have lasting ramifications for his administration and U.S. relations with the Middle East.
As the situation continues to evolve, it remains unclear whether the rift between Trump and his once-trusted advisers will deepen or if reconciliation is possible. Both Gabbard and Hegseth have been loyal supporters of the President, and their exclusion from key discussions signals a breakdown in trust at the highest levels.
Trump’s decision to prioritize certain advisors, like Vance, Rubio, and Ratcliffe, over others highlights the President’s growing reliance on a select few figures who share his vision for the future of U.S. foreign policy.
The President’s stance on Iran remains fluid, and it is clear that the White House’s handling of the crisis will be a defining issue in the coming months. Whether Gabbard and Hegseth can regain their footing within the administration—or whether they will remain on the periphery of the President’s decision-making process—will be closely watched by political observers and foreign policy experts alike.
As tensions between the U.S. and Iran reach new heights, the question of who will ultimately guide Trump’s foreign policy on this critical issue remains unanswered. For Gabbard and Hegseth, their exclusion from the inner circle is a stark reminder of how quickly the dynamics of Washington can shift—and how loyalty alone may not be enough to secure a place in Trump’s evolving political strategy.
