White House denies reports Trump may replace intelligence chief Gabbard

WASHINGTON

The White House pushed back against reports that President Donald Trump is considering replacing Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, calling the claims “totally fake news.”

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said Thursday that Trump has "total confidence" in Gabbard.

His remarks follow media reports that said Trump had weighed replacing Gabbard following concerns over her handling of internal intelligence matters.

Trump is reportedly considering additional dismissals following his removal of Pam Bondi as attorney general on Thursday and Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary last month.

"The president has assembled the most talented and impactful Cabinet ever, and they have collectively delivered historic victories on behalf of the American people," Cheung said.