Hegseth, Gabbard, Leavitt face first major test with Israel–Iran conflict
A trio of key Trump administration officials — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt — are facing their first major foreign policy test as Israel launches preemptive strikes on Iran and President Donald Trump considers involving the U.S. in the conflict. These high-profile officials, who ascended to their roles with widespread fanfare among many MAGA conservatives, are now under scrutiny as the tensions with Iran escalate.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a controversial nominee who faced criticism for his qualifications, has been thrust into the spotlight as the conflict unfolds. Hegseth, a former National Guard officer with deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, has vowed to bring a “warrior culture” back to the Department of Defense. As the Pentagon prepares options for Trump in response to the Israel-Iran conflict, Hegseth remains steadfast in his commitment to maintaining U.S. readiness and standing ready to assist Israel if necessary.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, another controversial appointee, has also come under scrutiny for her qualifications for the role. A former Democratic congresswoman and Iraq war veteran, Gabbard faced criticism for her past comments on Iran and Syria. However, her confirmation and subsequent testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee have positioned her as a key player in assessing Iran’s capabilities and intentions. As Israel’s strikes on Iran raise concerns about the country’s nuclear ambitions, Gabbard’s past statements on Iran’s nuclear program are being reexamined in the current context.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, a relatively unknown figure in the Trump administration, is also facing pressure as the conflict with Iran unfolds. Leavitt, a former communications director for the Republican National Committee, has been tasked with communicating the administration’s stance on the escalating tensions. With Trump considering potential U.S. involvement in the conflict, Leavitt’s role in shaping the administration’s messaging and response to the crisis will be crucial.
As the Trump administration navigates its first major foreign policy test, these key officials are under intense scrutiny to demonstrate their readiness and effectiveness in handling the escalating conflict with Iran. With Trump weighing his options and the world watching, Hegseth, Gabbard, and Leavitt are facing a critical moment that will test their abilities and shape their legacies in the administration.
