Tulsi Gabbard Hits Back at Trump Criticism, Says Media Twisted Her Iran Testimony

U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has defended her congressional testimony on Iran’s nuclear capabilities after sharp criticism from former President Donald Trump, asserting that her remarks were taken out of context by the media to stoke political controversy.

Speaking out on social media platform X, Gabbard accused the press of deliberate misrepresentation. “The dishonest media is intentionally taking my testimony out of context and spreading fake news as a way to manufacture division,” she wrote, sharing a full video of her testimony to Congress in an effort to clarify her position.

The controversy began when President Trump, speaking to reporters in New Jersey, was asked about Gabbard’s March remarks before Congress, in which she cited U.S. intelligence assessments suggesting Iran was not actively assembling nuclear warheads. Trump, visibly irritated, dismissed the assessment.

“Well then, my intelligence community is wrong. Who in the intelligence community said that?” Trump asked. Upon being told it was Gabbard, he bluntly responded, “She’s wrong.”

In response, Gabbard issued a strongly worded clarification, asserting that her comments were being distorted to create false divisions. She reiterated that Iran remains a significant nuclear threat and that U.S. intelligence agencies believe the regime could produce a weapon within a short window if it chooses to act.

“America has intelligence that Iran is at the point that it can produce a nuclear weapon within weeks to months, if they decide to finalise the assembly,” Gabbard posted. “President Trump has been clear that can’t happen, and I agree.”

Gabbard emphasized that her testimony did not downplay the threat but sought to explain the nuance between Iran’s technical readiness and actual intent. “What I said was that Iran was not actively weaponizing at the time, based on available intelligence. That does not mean they don’t have the capability or won’t make that decision soon,” she clarified in a follow-up post.

The public clash between Gabbard and Trump highlights ongoing tensions over how to interpret and act upon intelligence assessments regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Gabbard’s appointment as Director of National Intelligence had raised eyebrows across the political spectrum, given her independent stance and past criticism of military interventions. However, her firm tone in addressing both Trump and the media suggests she’s prepared to defend her role with equal intensity.

With Iran’s nuclear program back in the headlines and the U.S. presidential race heating up, Gabbard’s comments — and the backlash to them — have added a new layer to the complex debate over how best to counter Tehran’s ambitions.

IT.