WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is reportedly expressing frustration with Vice President JD Vance and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard due to what he sees as their lukewarm support for ongoing military actions in Iran. This discontent suggests widening rifts within the administration as the conflict continues without clear resolution.
Sources familiar with White House dynamics revealed that Trump has privately criticized both officials for not displaying the enthusiasm he expected following airstrikes initiated on February 28, 2026. This marks a notable shift in Trump’s relationship with Vance, who has been characterized as more cautious about the military operations than in his previous role.
One White House official indicated that Vance has voiced concerns over the military strategy and its effectiveness, particularly regarding Operation Epic Fury. Initial expectations of a swift government overthrow have not materialized, leading to rising fuel prices and a decline in Trump’s popularity.
During the lead-up to the airstrikes, Vance had maintained a “skeptical” stance on military intervention, demonstrating a reluctance to engage passionately in support of the operation. This contrasts with his more vigorous anti-war rhetoric during the 2024 campaign, where he openly criticized Trump’s potential military actions in the Middle East.
Following the initiation of airstrikes, Vance remained notably silent, even as he had previously claimed there was “no chance” of an extended conflict. As the situation drags on into another month without resolution, his earlier assurances are increasingly scrutinized.
When pressed for his advice to Trump on March 13, Vance sidestepped the query, citing concerns over the disclosure of classified information. His reticence adds to questions about his alignment with an administration increasingly focused on military interventions.
The White House has described reports of tension as exaggerated. Spokesman Davis Ingle asserted that Trump retains full confidence in both Vance and Gabbard, emphasizing their significant contributions to national security policy.
Gabbard has also drawn Trump’s ire following her testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee, where she contested the administration’s characterization of Iran as an immediate threat. Like Vance, she has historically questioned U.S. military involvement in the region.
Given these tensions, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emerged as a favored alternative within the administration. Rubio has taken on a more prominent role in foreign policy discussions, even earning accolades from Trump, who has described him as a potentially historic secretary of state.
On February 28, Trump sought feedback from donors at Mar-a-Lago about the vice president compared to Rubio, receiving an enthusiastic response for the latter. Despite previous sentiments about Vance being a likely front-runner for the 2028 nomination, Trump’s current posture appears to favor Rubio.
As Vance is dispatched to Pakistan for peace talks with Iranian officials—a task that may affect his political future—questions loom regarding his ability to balance loyalty to Trump’s administration with the non-interventionist views held by many of his supporters. These diplomatic discussions are expected to focus on restoring access to the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route previously accessible before escalating tensions.
Trump’s recent military actions in both Venezuela and Iran stand in contrast to the non-intervention promises he made to his supporters ahead of the 2024 election. Vance now faces the delicate challenge of maintaining allegiance to Trump while appeasing a constituency wary of foreign military engagement as the 2028 election approaches.