Fact Check: Has Trump picked Elise Stefanik as next DNI after Tulsi Gabbard’s resignation?
WASHINGTON, DC: A rumor circulating on X following Tulsi Gabbard’s resignation claims that Rep Elise Stefanik has emerged as Donald Trump’s choice for Director of National Intelligence.
The speculation comes as the New York Republican continues to strengthen her profile as a staunch supporter of Israel, highlighted by her address to the Knesset and efforts to advance anti-antisemitism legislation, making her a prominent ally in US-Israel relations.
Claim: Elise Stefanik is Trump’s choice for next DNI
This woman is expected to be Trump's next Director of National Intelligence pic.twitter.com/7pEv0QwKsg
— The Resonance (@Partisan_12) May 25, 2026
Tulsi Gabbard announced that she would resign from her position effective June 30, leaving the Director of National Intelligence role vacant at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.
President Trump praised her service as “incredible” and named Principal Deputy Aaron Lukas as acting DNI until a permanent replacement is selected.
Following her resignation, speculation online increasingly focused on Rep Elise Stefanik as a possible candidate for the position, with some Republicans pointing to her experience in intelligence-related matters. An X post shared by user @Partisan_12 claimed Stefanik was the expected choice for Trump’s next Director of National Intelligence.
The post included a video montage showing her appearances with Israeli officials, speeches at pro-Israel events, and references to campaign donations from pro-Israel groups tracked through AIPAC-related data.
Commenters on the post were largely critical, with many users raising concerns about foreign influence and questioning Stefanik’s suitability for a top intelligence role. Others compared the speculation surrounding her potential appointment with earlier discussions involving Gabbard.
Fact Check: No official records confirm Elise Stefanik as Trump’s DNI choice
The claim is partially accurate but overstated, as there has been no official confirmation that Elise Stefanik is Donald Trump’s expected choice for Director of National Intelligence.
However, the speculation remains unconfirmed. Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s original DNI appointee, announced in May 2026 that she would step down effective June 30 to care for her husband, leaving her deputy to serve as acting DNI.
As of late May 2026, the White House had not announced a permanent replacement, and several other names, including acting DNI Aaron Lukas and former congressman Devin Nunes, were also being discussed publicly. Stefanik had previously been considered for the role of US ambassador to the United Nations.
At the same time, the broader claims about Stefanik’s support for Israel are well documented. Public campaign finance records from OpenSecrets show that pro-Israel donors and organizations were among her significant sources of political support during the 2023–2024 election cycle.
