Tulsi Gabbard Faces Crossfire in Trump’s Iran Policy Shift as Intelligence Clash Deepens

Trump’s early departure from the international summit in Canada signaled the administration’s growing alarm over the Iran-Israel escalation. According to sources, the president rushed to convene with his national security team at the White House’s Situation Room, indicating that military and intelligence agencies are exploring contingency plans.

While initially expressing hope for a renewed nuclear accord with Tehran, Trump grew increasingly frustrated by Iran’s posture, asserting that they failed to meet American expectations for nuclear disarmament. “A complete give-up” of Iran’s nuclear program, he emphasized, is the only acceptable outcome.

Internal Discord Over Iran Intelligence

Complicating matters further is the internal division within Trump’s administration. In March, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told the Senate Intelligence Committee that U.S. agencies assessed Iran was not actively pursuing nuclear weapons. Her comments drew sharp pushback from Trump.

“I don’t care what she said,” he stated on Air Force One. “I think they were very close to having it.”

This public contradiction exposes fissures in the administration’s approach to foreign intelligence, and it raises questions about coherence in U.S. policy decisions.

Growing Division Among MAGA Allies

Trump’s stance has sparked backlash among some of his staunchest MAGA supporters. Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson cautioned against deeper U.S. involvement, fearing it betrays Trump’s pledge to avoid “endless wars.” Trump fired back on social media: “Somebody please explain to kooky Tucker Carlson that, ‘IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!’”

Other figures like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk voiced similar reservations, highlighting growing fractures in Trump’s conservative base over foreign policy strategies.

Broader Political Landscape: Trade and Legal Shifts

Amid rising Middle East tensions, Trump announced a new U.S.-UK trade agreement. Though tariffs on steel were omitted, the deal promises substantial economic benefits. “A lot of jobs, a lot of income,” Trump said.

Meanwhile, a federal judge in Massachusetts ruled that the administration’s recent cuts to NIH research grants—targeted at diversity and gender identity studies—were unlawful. Judge William Young labeled the action “arbitrary and capricious,” dealing a legal blow to Trump’s domestic agenda.

Controversy Over Response to Minnesota Shooting

Trump also sparked outrage by refusing to call Minnesota Governor Tim Walz after a shooting that killed two state lawmakers and their spouses. “The guy doesn’t have a clue,” Trump said. “He’s a mess. So I could be nice and call him, but why waste time?”

Gov. Walz, a former Democratic vice-presidential nominee, has not responded publicly. Traditionally, presidents reach out to local leaders following tragedies—Trump’s refusal breaks from that norm.

Military Options Against Iran: The Bunker-Buster Debate

Intelligence sources suggest one option being considered is supplying Israel with “bunker-buster” bombs capable of targeting Iran’s heavily fortified Fordo nuclear facility. These munitions can penetrate up to 200 feet underground and may be dropped in sequence to maximize destructive power.

However, this move risks collapsing any diplomatic bridge still in place. Providing such weapons would signal full-scale American endorsement of Israeli strikes—potentially pushing the region to the brink of broader war.

FAQs About the Iran-Israel Crisis and Trump’s Statements

What did Trump mean by “a real end” to the conflict?
He emphasized that he wants a definitive resolution rather than a temporary ceasefire, signaling potential U.S. readiness for more aggressive measures.

Did Trump contradict Tulsi Gabbard’s intelligence assessment?
Yes. Gabbard stated Iran wasn’t building nuclear weapons, while Trump publicly dismissed her remarks, claiming the opposite.

Are MAGA supporters aligned with Trump’s stance?
Not all. Key figures like Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed concern about deepening U.S. involvement in the Middle East.

What role could the U.S. play in Israel’s military strategy?
Providing “bunker-buster” bombs to Israel is under consideration, which would drastically escalate military involvement.

Why did Trump refuse to call Minnesota Governor Walz?
He dismissed the outreach as a “waste of time,” breaking from tradition after a tragic shooting involving state lawmakers.