Fact Check: Is Donald Trump considering firing Tulsi Gabbard after Pam Bondi?

Reports suggest that Gabbard has come under fire from Trump for defending a former deputy

PUBLISHED APR 3, 2026

Reports suggests that Trump is considering replacing Tulsi Gabbard with Pam Bondi (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Following the reported firing of former Attorney General Pam Bondi, a rumor began circulating online claiming that President Donald Trump is considering replacing the Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, with Bondi. The claim has sparked speculations, with many questioning its authenticity. Let us fact-check the viral claim.

Claim: Donald Trump to fire Tulsi Gabbard

The discussions came after Trump removed Bondi from her role as attorney general earlier this week (@nicksortor/X)

Speculation about replacing Gabbard intensified after reports that Trump considered replacing her with Bondi.

According to The Guardian, Gabbard has come under fire from Trump for defending a former deputy, who didn't agree with her justifications for starting a war with Iran.

During her testimony at the Worldwide Threats hearing on Capitol Hill last month, Gabbard reportedly avoided criticizing former National Counterterrorism Center director Joe Kent, who had resigned days earlier over his unwillingness to support continued war with Iran.

The discussions came after Trump removed Bondi from her role as attorney general earlier this week, prompting speculation about a possible reassignment.

Fact Check: Donald Trump has rejected the rumors

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 1: U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledges those in attendance after speaking from the Cross Hall of the White House on April 1, 2026 in Washington, DC. Trump used the prime-time address to update the nation on the war in Iran. (Photo by Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images) — President Donald Trump acknowledges those in attendance after speaking from the Cross Hall of the White House on April 1, 2026, in Washington, DC (Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images)

However, according to CBS, Trump has firmly rejected the rumors and has indicated continued backing for Gabbard.

In an interview with C-Span2 on Sunday, Trump said that Gabbard is someone who has a different “thought process” than that of Trump.

Trump told reporters, “I mean, she’s a little bit different in her thought process than me, but that doesn’t make somebody not available to serve.”

There are also no formal announcements from the White House indicating plans to replace Gabbard from her role as the Director of Intelligence.

Trump's spokesperson, Steven Cheung, told The Guardian that the president had faith in Gabbard and commended her diligence.

Gabbard's spokesperson, Meghan McCain, also denied the reports and said, “Tulsi isn’t going anywhere as the President has said 3 days ago."

Pam Bondi's exit sparks cabinet reshuffle speculation

Attorney General Pam Bondi listens during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) — Attorney General Pam Bondi listens during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Fox News outlined the circumstances surrounding Pam Bondi’s reported exit, describing it as both sudden and decisive.

According to the report, Trump met Bondi in the Oval Office shortly before delivering a national address. What followed, Fox News says, was immediate.

“One of those sources said that by the time Trump took his place behind the podium for the address, Bondi had already lost her job and was on her way back to Florida,” Fox News reported.

The reported dismissal comes amid mounting criticism over Bondi’s handling of matters related to the Epstein files, which had increasingly drawn scrutiny.

Although there has been no official confirmation from the White House, the sequence of events described by Fox points to a rapid transition, one that has now placed Zeldin at the center of a potentially major cabinet reshuffle.