U.S. President Donald Trump publicly pushed back against his Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Tulsi Gabbard, on Friday, asserting that Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapon, directly contradicting intelligence assessments she shared earlier this year.
"She's wrong," Trump said, speaking to reporters at Morristown Airport in New Jersey. The comment referred to Gabbard's March testimony before Congress, where she reiterated the intelligence community's long-standing assessment that Iran was not actively building a nuclear warhead.
Gabbard, a vocal Trump ally and former Democratic congresswoman, had maintained that U.S. agencies found no evidence of an active nuclear weapons program in Tehran. Her office has previously highlighted statements indicating alignment with Trump on the issue.
Trump's remarks, however, reflect a growing divergence within his national security team, as regional tensions intensify. The president also noted that he would consider U.S. involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict "over the next two weeks."
Israeli strikes continue amid nuclear concerns
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ramped up military operations against Iranian military and nuclear-linked facilities, citing intelligence that Tehran was "on the verge" of developing a warhead. Israeli airstrikes over the past week have targeted suspected Iranian missile and uranium enrichment sites.
Iran denies pursuing nuclear arms, asserting that its program is for peaceful, civilian purposes.
Disputed assessments
A U.S. intelligence source speaking to Reuters said the agencies' judgment, as presented by Gabbard, remains unchanged. According to those assessments, Iran would need up to three years to build and deliver a reliable nuclear warhead capable of reaching a strategic target.
However, independent analysts note that Iran could likely produce a basic, untested nuclear device much sooner, though with no guarantee of functionality or delivery capability.
A familiar rift with U.S. intelligence
Trump's rejection of Gabbard's briefing underscores his ongoing scepticism toward U.S. intelligence agencies. The president has long accused segments of the national security establishment of political bias, often referring to a "deep state" effort to undermine his administration — claims his critics say are unsubstantiated.
During his first term, Trump repeatedly clashed with intelligence officials, notably over their assessment of Russian interference in the 2016 election. At times, he appeared more aligned with foreign leaders' denials — particularly Russian President Vladimir Putin — than with U.S. intelligence findings.
Despite the current dispute, Gabbard remains one of Trump's most loyal appointees, often echoing his critiques of internal resistance and bureaucratic obstruction. As the Iran-Israel conflict unfolds, her role in shaping the administration's response will remain pivotal, even as the president signals he may be charting his own path forward.
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