Women facing Trump’s wrath? After Kristi Noem and Pam Bondi, Tulsi Gabbard and Karoline Leavitt in the line of fire

Women facing Trump’s wrath? The question has gained attention after reports that Donald Trump has privately and publicly raised concerns about the performance of several women in senior roles. The focus has shifted to Tulsi Gabbard and Karoline Leavitt following earlier changes involving Kristi Noem and speculation about Pam Bondi. The discussions come during tensions over Iran policy, media relations, and leadership decisions. Reports suggest Trump has been reviewing key positions while weighing political risks and the impact of public perception on his administration.

Women facing Trump’s wrath?

The question is being asked after new reports suggested that President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with several women in key positions in his administration. The discussion now includes Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. This follows earlier moves involving Kristi Noem and speculation about Attorney General Pam Bondi.

The developments come during ongoing tensions over the administration’s Iran policy, media coverage, and internal leadership decisions. Reports say Trump has privately asked advisers whether he should replace Gabbard. He has also publicly criticised Leavitt during press briefings.

Tulsi Gabbard and Karoline Leavitt in the line of fire

Reports suggest Donald Trump has recently reviewed the roles of Tulsi Gabbard and Karoline Leavitt as internal pressure grows within the administration. Discussions began after disagreements over Iran policy and concerns about media coverage. Sources say Trump has privately asked advisers whether leadership changes may be required, though no decision has been confirmed.

Gabbard faced scrutiny after her testimony at a worldwide threats hearing where she did not criticise former deputy Joe Kent. Trump reportedly felt the administration’s stance on Iran was not strongly defended. The disagreement added to earlier tensions related to nuclear policy statements and security clearance decisions. Despite this, the White House has said Trump still has confidence in her work.

Leavitt has also come under attention after Trump publicly joked about her performance during press briefings. He linked negative media coverage to the communications strategy and questioned whether a change could improve public perception. Reports also suggest Trump has considered potential replacements, though the White House has described his comments as made in jest.

Questions about intelligence leadership grow

The issue has gained momentum after reports that Trump asked cabinet officials if he should replace Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence. The discussion followed disagreements linked to the administration’s stance on Iran.

Trump reportedly became frustrated after Gabbard testified during a worldwide threats hearing on Capitol Hill. During the hearing, she declined to condemn Joe Kent, a former deputy who resigned after saying Iran did not pose an immediate threat to the United States. Trump had already been upset about Kent’s comments.

Sources said Trump was especially frustrated because Gabbard appeared reluctant to strongly defend the administration’s position on military action against Iran. However, there is no confirmed decision to remove her. Advisers reportedly warned that removing her without a successor could create political distractions.

When asked if he still had confidence in Gabbard, Trump gave a mixed response. He said she thinks differently but remains able to serve. A White House spokesperson later said Trump still has confidence in her work.

Past tensions add to the pressure

Trump reportedly disliked a video she recorded after visiting Hiroshima. The video warned about nuclear war risks. Trump felt the video could scare people. Another disagreement came when Gabbard told lawmakers Iran had not decided to build a nuclear bomb. Trump publicly disagreed and later approved strikes on Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz.

Gabbard also faced criticism after revoking security clearances for 37 people before the White House reviewed the move. The dispute later led to a truce after mediation.

Despite tensions, Gabbard has also gained support from Trump at times. She produced a report stating Russia did not try to boost Trump’s 2016 campaign. Her spokesperson said she remains committed to her role and continues supporting the president.

Karoline Leavitt faces public criticism

Trump has publicly criticised Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. During an Oval Office press conference, Trump joked that she was doing a “terrible job” while discussing negative media coverage.

Trump said he receives between 93% and 97% negative press. He suggested this might reflect on Leavitt’s performance. He then joked about whether she should remain in the role. A White House representative later said the comments were made in jest.

However, reports say Trump has privately questioned Leavitt’s performance. A source claimed he blamed distractions including her pregnancy. Leavitt is expecting her second child in May.

Reports also suggest Trump is considering conservative commentator Scott Jennings as a possible replacement. The source said Trump values strong media defenders.

Media tensions and press relations

During the same press event, Trump criticised major US newspapers. He said their circulation has fallen and accused them of dishonest reporting. Trump cited his 2024 election victory as proof voters do not trust the press. He did not provide a source for the negative coverage figures. He had made a similar claim in 2025.

Leavitt has also faced attention after AFP removed a photograph of her from its library. The image showed her holding her son during a Thanksgiving briefing. AFP said the removal was an internal editorial decision.

Leavitt had recently criticised major TV networks over coverage of a college student murder case. She later posted behind-the-scenes images from Trump’s Iran address without mentioning Trump’s comments about her.

Leadership changes continue inside the administration

Trump has avoided firing officials directly during his second term. Instead, he has often reassigned them. Kristi Noem was moved from Homeland Security Secretary to a State Department envoy role. President Donald Trump has fired Attorney General Bondi, and is replacing her with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche.

Sources say Trump frequently evaluates performance based on media coverage and public perception. The pattern suggests ongoing changes could continue.

What the developments could mean?

The pressure faced by senior officials in the administration is immense. Discussions about Gabbard and Leavitt show how policy disagreements, media relations, and political strategy can shape leadership decisions. No final decisions have been announced. However, the discussions show Trump is reviewing roles as his second term continues.

FAQs

Q1: Why did Donald Trump question Tulsi Gabbard’s role as Director of National Intelligence?
Reports say disagreements over Iran policy, testimony about threats, and internal tensions led Trump to ask advisers if leadership changes were needed, though no final decision has been announced.

Q2: Is Karoline Leavitt at risk of being replaced as press secretary?
Sources claim Trump has discussed performance concerns and possible alternatives, but the White House has not confirmed any plan to remove her from the role.