Washington — On Friday, President Trump stated that his director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, was “incorrect” in her March testimony claiming that Iran was not pursuing a nuclear weapon. This marks the second occasion this week where the president has disregarded the assessments from his chosen intelligence director.
This week, the White House asserted that Iran possesses all the necessary components to develop a nuclear weapon and simply requires approval from its supreme leader, suggesting that they could be ready within weeks. Trump emphasized that Iran is “very close” to achieving this capability.
During her March testimony before Congress, Gabbard stated that the U.S. “continues to believe that Iran is not constructing a nuclear weapon and that Supreme Leader Khamenei has not greenlit the nuclear weapons program he halted in 2003.” Despite this, Gabbard later claimed that she and the president share the same viewpoint.
Trump formally dismissed his intelligence community’s public opinion on Iran during the same press conference where Gabbard’s statements were specifically mentioned, as the White House indicated that he would decide within two weeks whether to support Israel in its military actions against Iran.
Upon arriving in Bedminster, New Jersey, a reporter challenged Trump: “What intelligence do you have indicating that Iran is building a nuclear weapon? Your intelligence community stated they have no evidence of this.”
“In that case, my intelligence community is mistaken,” Trump replied. “Which member of the intelligence community said that?”
“Your director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard,” the reporter pointed out.
“She is incorrect,” Trump said, moving to the next subject.
Earlier this week, while returning from the G7 summit in Canada, Trump had already dismissed Gabbard’s statement. A reporter reminded him of her March testimony concerning the intelligence community’s stance on Iran’s nuclear activities.
“I don’t care about her statements,” Trump replied while on Air Force One. “I believe they are very close to having one.”
In a post on X, Gabbard accused media outlets of misinterpreting her testimony. “America has intelligence suggesting Iran can develop a nuclear weapon within weeks to months if they choose to complete the assembly,” she stated.
Vice President JD Vance noted on X that “a lot has changed since Tulsi’s testimony in March.”
Sources informed CBS News this week that Trump has been briefed on the pros and cons of launching strikes on Fordo, Iran’s most fortified nuclear facility, with Trump’s perspective being that disabling this site is vital due to the imminent threat of weapons production.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt informed the press on Thursday that the president would make a decision regarding military action with Israel within two weeks, allowing time for potential diplomatic negotiations.
“Considering there is a significant chance for negotiations with Iran soon, I will determine my course of action in the next two weeks,” the president stated, as relayed by Leavitt during a White House briefing. Recently, the Iranian foreign minister met with a group of European diplomats in Geneva.
When asked if military action might occur before the two-week window closes, Trump responded, “I am allowing some time. We’ll see how long that period is. But two weeks would be the utmost limit.”
