During a cabinet meeting today at the White House, President Trump took the opportunity to thank Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, for her exceptional work and focus within the intelligence system to organize strong reforms that will be around for a long time.
DNI Tulsi Gabbard has indeed been a transformative member of the cabinet, working through her office and agency while partnered with CIA Director John Ratcliffe and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio. Mrs. Gabbard is leaving on June 30 to stand beside her husband Abraham as he battles a bone cancer diagnosis. WATCH:
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It is expected that DNI Gabbard will deliver more information to the American public through a series of declassifications prior to the end of her tenure. There is no immediate discussion of her replacement and Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Aaron Lukas, will serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence following her departure.
REMINDER: There will likely be a great deal of rumor and speculation about a different permanent replacement. One name sure to surface within the discussion is Devin Nunes, but I strongly doubt the former Chairman of the HPSCI would desire or accept the position.
If, and that is a very big ‘if’, Devin Nunes was to accept the role, that would indicate a remarkable change in his opinion about the overall intelligence apparatus. Therefore, I doubt this is an option. Devin Nunes believes in the historic fidelity of the intelligence institutions. As a result, the DNI position has seemed smaller and less significant.
The only way Nunes would take the job is if two things changed. First, he now believed the construct of the United States intelligence apparatus is teetering on the edge of irreversible corruption (he did not previously hold this position); and second, if he sees that Tulsi has now proven the power of the DNI in the intelligence apparatus. As readers here will fully understand, until DNI Gabbard that power was never fully extended.
Former House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) member Elise Stefanik will likely be another name. She would have the full support of the Susie Wiles grouping. The same network who advocated for Mike Waltz to be National Security Advisor. However, Stefanik would greatly please Laura Loomer, Mark Levin and Ben Shapiro; while conversely providing fuel for Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly antagonisms.
Former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn would likely be another name. Unfortunately, Flynn’s judgement is not stellar, and while he has been supportive of Mrs. Gabbard it’s not likely President Trump wants that kind of Flynn drama or the issues he brings with him for a nomination. That said, if the political calculation is to fuel the core base, Flynn might stand a chance at nomination. But don’t overthink it, Flynn would be of no value in the DNI position for anything of substance. Again, weak judgement (led to his former demise) and grifting tendencies.
Two other names of note: Scott Perry from Pennsylvania who was a target of the FBI/IC for his support of President Trump, and Rick Crawford the current Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, a gang of eight member. The IC has nothing to fear from either of these names. They are essentially Mike Waltz clones, though to be fair I might be a little harsh on Perry.
Rick Crawford, as HPSCI Chairman, allowed Tulsi Gabbard to review the Atkinson transcript. Still, he didn’t act until Gabbard asked to see it and later pushed to declassify it. While he had the authority to handle it himself, like many congressional IC members in both the House and Senate, he seemed wary of challenging the very system they’re tasked with overseeing. [TIP: If whoever’s name it is currently falls under the IC oversight mechanism, they probably fear the “seven ways from Sunday” group, unlike Tulsi Gabbard. Accept this reality and adjust your perspective accordingly.]
GOPe types and “CONservative” influencers might also bring up Trey Gowdy or former HPSCI Chairman Mike Rogers. If either of these names show up, there’s a problem. And anyone advancing these names…. well, they’re the problem.
One name that would seem to fit the role and responsibilities would be former Congressman Dan Bishop, currently serving as a U.S. Attorney in North Carolina. Bishop was a member of the House Subcommittee on Govt Weaponization that frustratingly went nowhere as it was designed to fail by House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan. Bishop himself was frustrated by the lack of assertiveness within the sub-committee structure.
There’s no immediate need for any speculative guesswork. ADNI Aaron Lukas will likely do a solid job.
Interesting days ahead. I am truly grateful for all the work Tulsi has accomplished.
I’m sure we will see her in government again. Would make one helluva president.
Praise the great work of the American, Tulsi Gabbard!!!! God has Blessed us with her
God Bless her and her family, A;ways, I pray!!!
DNI Gabbard truly cares about our country and it shows. It is unfortunate that she must cut short her appointment in President Trump’s team. She has accomplished a lot in just the short time in her position – and President Trump is clearly aware of that. I hope to see her back soon fighting for us.
Tulsi has a bright future ahead of her in the Republican party.
The way things are going for the bog standard Corporate Republican Party, who’s to say it won’t be a debrided, new one (name to be determined) where she will rise like cream to the top…
The masks are off, fhe false faces exposed, and the pendulum is finally moving…
We all have to get through the next two or three years to get to that future.
Tulsi Gabbard/Harriet Hageman in 2028
Marco Rubio for Presidential Emissary
Hageman has blotted her copybook somehow. She is out of favor.
What makes you say that?
Hageman was asked to give a full-throated defense of Matt Gaetz, and she delivered, Has that now backfired on her? I like here too, but she has been sidelined after that Hail Mary defense, which I assumed was offered with sincerity. Too messy to come back and haunt her now?
I think Hageman should be considered as a replacement for Tulsi as DNI, although I have doubts she could be confirmed by this Uniparty/RINO Senate.
I like Tulsi, but she needs to update/modify her 2A stance a little bit first. I hate that that issue always winds up being such a wedge issue, but its pretty important.
Maybe she has adjusted it and I just haven’t seen it? This was the big ‘modification’ video IIRC. I still have questions.
https://www.reddit.com/r/2ALiberals/comments/ylla8e/tulsi_gabbard_gives_an_update_on_her_beliefs/
I like her final statement here, but its the stuff before she gets there… the part about having a ‘conversation’ about ‘how we can protect rights -and- ensure everyone’s safety’. Well, as I see it… those 2 goals eventually come to a crossroads.
It’s the ‘and’ … do this -and- that. Instead of ‘and’, I’d have like to have heard the word ‘to’ … “protect our 2a rights TO ensure safety”.
The word ‘and’ splits the issue into these two independent ‘goals’. It is again, a binary comparison… “if A and (NOT)B, then ‘Fail'” or “if (NOT)A and B, then ‘Fail'”. (from digital/binary logic: if false and true, then false… if false and false, then true… if true and true, then true).
The only way to get to “Succeed” is for A and B to be either both true or both false. I am reminded of some wise words from the past “those who give up essential freedom for security deserve neither” (surely butchered it, but that’s the gist IIRC).
A (2A rights) promotes B (security), and that’s all we an ask for.
I like her in her role as DNI, but she’ll need to clarify at least this issue for a serious run at higher office I think. Obviously, just my opinion, and probably not a popular one.
no one is perfect
God bless Tulsi.
I sincerely hope she drops a MOAB on the IC before walking out. Enough to keep them all busy for well after the Mid-terms.
Thank you, Tulsi… Citizen-Soldier, Public Servant, and True Warrior. You leave immense shoes to be filled. Prayers for you and Abraham, and Godspeed! 🙂
What happened to Stefanik? She seemed like the ideal GOPe team player. Yet she has been discarded.
Too much Trump support?
Too much effort on being a GOPe D.C. insider and not enough on being a GOPe NY insider?
I can remember those early days when she was tested to deliver the GOPe message to Comey that they were wise to his keeping them out of the picture. She did it on live TV, but she had to do it without accusations or complaints. Only later did anyone realize what she got Comey to admit. Yet we were puzzled why neither she nor anyone followed up.
Such are the tests that the GOPe requires of its newbies. After all, outrage is a get out the vote program, not actually meant to fix any problems.
And hence why she should not be director of ODNI as your last sentence proves it. I don’t like any of the choices because I know what they’ve done or haven’t done.
The one exception is Dan Bishop. I recall him pushing back on Jim “RINO Supreme” Jordan (who I use to actually like) and to me that speaks volumes.
In the meantime I too would like to see Tulsi go full WOLVERINE and give her successor the coordinates to carry on this mission of exposing the traitors. Then let Blanche/DOJ and Ratcliffe/CIA and their teams complete it.
If Kash/FBLie finds time to actually help it would be beneficial but until he removes every SOB agent that conspired and enabled the J6 election steal I’ll hold my breath.
Elise Stefanik is teriffic IMO. However she wanted to run for NY governor but polling showed that Brad Blakeman was the stronger candidate. President Trump endorsed Brad Blakeman.
Bruce Blakeman. He’s currently the County Executive of Nassau County on Long Island.
I don’t think that was the reason for her stepping down at all. I’m from NY, farthest point from her district and everyone was glad she was taking Hochul on. We all knew her, we knew who Zeldin was too. Never heard of Blakeman until after she stepped down and I wanted to see who was running on the R ticket.
Rep. Stefanik was a Trump player from Upstate NY, an area that is losing population fast, and will probably be forced to merge with a new Congressional blue district very soon. The state would have been better off keeping Grouchy Governor AndrewCuomo than the awful Lady Kathy,, dumber than a box of rocks, Hochul. Rep. Stefanik will, however, remain in my heart for her bustin’ (NY term) on Harvard’s mistake of a President, Claudine Gay.
She will be missed and will be a hard act to follow.
as with Trump, she is a singular figure and cannot and will not be replaced. Unless there is someone who has a contempt for government bordering on McVeigh Status waiting in the wings.
Trey Gowdy and Mike Rogers are part of the Blob.
Welcome to Mr. Rogers’ neighborhood.
They can never be a consideration. It would be ridiculous.
Tulsi, what a woman.
She was great even as a democrat in Hawaii.
Thank you Tulsi for serving in so many ways!
Then nominate Aaron Lukas.
Try before you buy.
Cue the trolls that are CERTAIN! there is more to ODNI’s resignation than showing the proper love and basic humanity to care for her husband during this journey echoing the Communist’s talking point.
You know who you are and you are not appreciated.
So sorry to see Tulsi Gabbard leave that position. She is a great patriot in every way. Praying for her husband and her in the coming months.
Thank God.
Thank you Sundance for helping her and all of us. The transformation would be short lived otherwise.
“Tulsi Gabbard, for her exceptional work and focus within the intelligence system to organize strong reforms that will be around for a long time”.
We pray God gives her and all of us, guidance for the days ahead.
Trust God, who has all power ✝️🇺🇸🦅❤️
100% Truth
I think Tulsi did a remarkable job; I’m so sorry we are losing her.
I applaud Tulsi Gabbard for her courage. It took a lot of pure courage to try to do the right thing especially after certain elements of the IC began taking negative actions against her.
When you have to live on a military installation to ensure your personal safety as our ODNI and Sec Of State …… that says it all.
HEAVENLY FATHER, once again we bring both Tulsi and Abraham before YOUR THRONE of MERCY.
May they seek YOU with all their hearts!
Please grant healing for Abraham. This we PRAY in JESUS PRECIOUS & MIGHTY NAME, AMEN, AMEN, & AMEN
AMEN Junebug
For those who want to search the CTH archives, you will find several instances where Sundance spoke very highly of Dan Bishop.
We will see how things go with Aaron Lukas.
Pray continually.
AMEN, AMEN, & AMEN
Yup.
I did. Looking specifically for that opinion. In this context.
And Dan Bishop is spoken of highly. And he is at least superficially/partially aware of the issues Tulsi Gabbard was wrestling with vs. the IC, et al. And has historically supported President Trump in Congress when such support grew thin.
But does he have the stomach for this fight? I am not sure where DNI Tulsi Gabbard found the courage to do even what she has done so far. A daunting task indeed. Danger Danger! And potentially worse a career-ender for a Politician.
Dan Bishop has a short, but I think from my limited reading, adamantly MAGA career in Congress. And pursued a ‘controversial’ anti-trans in other sex’s bathrooms law in NC. And is unabashedly anti-abortion.
So – strong opinions, firmly held. Apparently.
Is he the front guy? The guy to bring the facts/truth and leave the bodies hanging behind him? Judge, jury, and executioner all in one?
Or is he the second guy? The analyst, the litigator, the one who does his homework. Knows the law. Sets the table. But leaves the Judgement to someone else?
IDK.
OGDuck
PS: The archived video of Dan Bishop yielding time at a Congressional hearing to the FBI Whistleblower, who suggested we remember to both vote and gun-up as the FBI/IC was acting against Americans (even their own employees) without restraint or repercussion may be telling of his mindset.
“…It is expected that DNI Gabbard will deliver more information to the American public through a series of declassifications prior to the end of her tenure. …”
I don’t even know if this is her purview but if it is I hope we finally get to see all of the J6 security footage they had to “declassify” before they could release it.
That said she did a great job and will be missed. She and her husband are in my daily prayers.
Can’t she just take a leave of absence? It worked for that obese POS Lloyd Austin.
Cancer and in particular bone cancer is a multi year process for treatment. She wants to devote her time with her husband.
I don’t believe we have seen the last of Tulsi Gabbard.
She is a one in (330) million US citizens; and it will be very hard to find someone smarter or more courageous.
And that is a pretty sad statistic, taspok. Some may be smarter, some may be braver but putting the two together is what Tulsi Gabbard is and always will be.
I wonder if anyone every asked her this question: “Ms. Gabbard, what did you find more dangerous in your career. Fighting against foreign enemies…….or fighting domestic ones right here at home?
While other speculation plods on, I’ll pray for a swift resolution in Abraham’s diagnosis and the possibility that Tulsi could return to her position as DNI. That’s the long odds in the human realm; God has the agenda.
Glad to see the mention of Dan Bishop.
Am curious as to how he is received here.
I previously mentioned him here as a possible replacement and referred to a recent American Thinker article promoting him.
(https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/05/the_perfect_replacement_for_tulsi_gabbard.html)
Seems to have some fire in him. Particularly after getting hamstrung by Republican leadership in former investigation.
His experience as a AG/Prosecutor could be invaluable. And he has won election in North Carolina. A State having a very interesting voter registration split (30% D 30% R%I) And he is willing to take on the crazies (trans bathroom issue).
ONE UNKNOWN? – His grasp of the National Intelligence Community storyline as laid out in CTH. AND, his willingness to shine light in the details. While managing all the other responsibilities of the DNI.
I can’t tell from the bios I have read so far if he is a Politician, or a conservative republican (small r) American. First.
Would like to know more if I can be pointed in the right direction.
BTW? How much did we really know about how Tulsi Gabbard was going to respond to the position at the time?
OGDuck
(30% D 30% R 39% I)
I’m one of those I’s who left the Repub party here in NC. Many of my family and others I know did likewise as it gave the R’s a message of our unhappiness with the party. Burr & Tillis cost the party much in support and the State legislature was also a source of frustration. Yes, I still vote R.
Meet the US Attorney blurb:
https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdnc/meet-us-attorney
I think if the NYT does not like him, I probably do:
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/15/us/dan-bishop-election-fraud-trump.html
And again, another (batch of) reason I probably do.
https://nominationnotes.substack.com/p/dan-bishop-is-the-next-maga-extremist
He was my rep in Congress. Seems to be truly a man of conscious and integrity.
Dan is definitely America First and is very intelligent. Calm and persistent. Not afraid to speak up for the Constitution.
Alice In Chains came immediately to mind as soon as I read the name Trey Gowdy… 🐓🎸🤘🏻
Thanks for the insight as always Sundance!
I recently read biographies on Napoleon and Churchill. Both men studied the raw, unprocessed intelligence info themselves. The president can’t do that of course, but he certainly needs a trusted person to do that for him.
One of the things that these codebreaking books never fully explains is the sheer number of coded messages there are to decrypt.
Armies and Navies are immense and function via encoded messages. That was Ultra and JN-25. And Magic listened in to all communications between Japanese embassies.
A huge staff was needed to process and translate these messages. And to comprehend and correlate the messages. To assess their importance. And to distribute them to those who needed to know.
No matter how much Churchill wanted to do that, it is not a task that a single person full time could achieve. Let alone a major decision maker.
Maybe it could give him a sense for the reliability of the staff that is doing it for him.
Napoleon on the other hand lived in a much different age. Communications had to be carried and weren’t mass produced. One person could keep abreast of the information as it rolled in. It would be delayed of course, but being updated on the movements of foreign armies would have been very useful as he schemed his campaigns.
Just a small correction: Tulsi is Ms. Gabbard because it was her father’s surname. She would be Mrs. Williams if she used her husband’s surname.
When I saw how she lit into Hillary in the 2016 Primary; I thought she means business. Her dedication to her country shows. But when she posted a picture surfing in Hawaii with a smile on her face (only a surfer knows), I knew she was the one!
Not sure about the “Kurilla de Ville” (101 Dalmatians) look, but if it scared Hillary…
Cruella de Bill
Whitelok
Her takedown of KH at the 2015 debate was one for the history books. KH was about to cry.
I hope Tulsi runs in 28.
.
…’ reforming the intelligence community ‘?
Who is the butt of the joke?
Tulsu, or CTH readers?
Both?
After Obama got his hands on it, our IC was the joke. A very sad joke trying to act like the Stasi.
Dan Bishop is solid.
I’m surprised Ric Grenell’s name isn’t in the list of considerations. Didn’t he have that job in term 1 as acting DNI — and did a great job? (And wasn’t Lukas chief of staff for Grenell?) And Ric has already been vetted, so he wouldn’t have to go through Thune’s gauntlet.
Tulsi and Marco are two of the stars in the Administration. I’m sorry about her husband. It’s not going to be easy replacing her! 😕
Tulsi has already provided more service to the Republic than the dozens of RINOs put together.
Maybe, just maybe, she can drop some bombs before she leaves.
Leaving dumb, corrupt asses like Mark Warner, red faced and spitting, realizing since she’s leaving he can’t do his standard call for her dismissal or resignation.
“As readers here will fully understand, until DNI Gabbard that power was never fully extended.”
And we owe all that understanding to you, Sundance. If it wasn’t for you and your team we would be floundering in the dark
believing every Carlson, Owens and Solomon piece coming down the pike.
Let’s carry yesterday’s energy all the way to the midterms so we can give President Trump and his team the power they need to destroy the Left, the RINOS and take a huge bite out of the globalist cabal aiming to destroy America. (Hint: Islam)
Thanks again (and always) Sundance, for your clear analysis of these various “situations”. Certainly makes one think.
Tulsi’s deep voice provides masterful delivery of every word she shares with us. Calm, reassuring, candid, with a hint of very human self-effacement. Dynamite combination. Zero defensiveness. We are ready for a woman President, if it is that woman. The waters run deep in this woman.
But does she cackle?? 😉
Need people like President Trump, Rubio & Tulsi on the job for DECADES. There is so much to deconstruct and correct.
good job