Christine Drews Sieger
Tulsi Gabbard is stepping down as U.S. Director of National Intelligence after growing internal tensions in Donald Trump’s administration over the war in Iran and disagreements within the White House.
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After months of internal tension within Donald Trump’s administration, Tulsi Gabbard has stepped down as the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, according to European Pravda.
An official statement says the reason is illness, but several media outlets point to internal political conflicts as the real cause.
After Gabbard refused to criticize a senior official who resigned in protest against the U.S. war in Iran, dissatisfaction reportedly grew within the White House, according to The Guardian.
Controversial figure
During her time in office, Gabbard attracted attention several times because of her various statements.
Among other things, she criticized U.S. support for Kyiv and described Ukraine as a corrupt country.
She also claimed that the Biden administration had allegedly prolonged the conflict instead of working toward peace, European Pravda reports.
When the former head of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center resigned in protest against the war in Iran, Gabbard reportedly did not distance herself from his decision.
This reportedly caused major dissatisfaction within Trump’s circle, and shortly afterward he began discussing possible replacements with his advisers, according to The Guardian.
Who will take over?
Gabbard will leave the position at the end of June, when former CIA employee Aaron Lucas will temporarily take over her role.
A search is currently underway for a new permanent replacement, and CIA Deputy Director Michael Ellis is reportedly the favorite for the position, according to The Wall Street Journal.
However, there are also other possible candidates who could take over the role, including Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.
Sources: European Pravda, The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal.
