Tulsi Gabbard Sparks Administration Tensions After Warning of Nuclear Holocaust in Viral Video

Washington, D.C. — Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has ignited controversy and highlighted internal White House divisions with a three-minute social media video warning that the world is “closer to the brink of nuclear annihilation than ever before.” Posted on June 10, 2025, the video—recorded after Gabbard visited Hiroshima, Japan—criticizes “political elite and warmongers” for carelessly escalating tensions between nuclear powers, particularly as the United States considers supporting Israel’s campaign against Iran.

The video, which features footage from Hiroshima and a simulation of a nuclear attack on San Francisco, has been widely interpreted as a rebuke of the Trump administration’s hawkish foreign policy. According to administration sources, President Donald Trump was “incensed” by the unauthorized release and saw it as an attempt to correct his administration’s messaging on Iran and nuclear threats. Trump reportedly expressed his displeasure directly to Gabbard, and there are growing discussions within the White House about potentially eliminating the Director of National Intelligence position altogether.

Gabbard’s tenure has been marked by repeated clashes with Trump and his allies. During a Congressional hearing in March, she downplayed the immediate threat of Iran developing nuclear weapons, a stance at odds with Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who have both suggested Iran is close to obtaining a nuclear weapon. The White House later posted a selectively edited video of Gabbard’s remarks, which critics described as misleading, to bolster the case for a tougher stance on Iran.

Critics, including former intelligence officials, have questioned Gabbard’s qualifications and her past positions on Russia, Syria, and whistleblower Edward Snowden. However, supporters such as Vice President J.D. Vance have defended her as a loyal patriot committed to transparency and restraint in foreign policy.

Despite the backlash, Gabbard has continued to push for reforms within the intelligence community, including establishing a task force focused on transparency. Her actions and public statements have fueled ongoing debate about her role and influence in shaping U.S. national security policy.