US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard was reportedly left out of key planning discussions for the US operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, a move that has highlighted internal divisions within the United States government and raised questions over policy alignment. 

According to media reports citing Bloomberg, Gabbard’s prior, outspoken opposition to US military intervention in Venezuela—dating back to her time as a congresswoman—led planners to exclude her from months of operational briefings, despite her role as Director of National Intelligence (DNI). 

Some White House staff reportedly joked that the DNI acronym could be read as “Do Not Invite,” underscoring perceived skepticism about her stance—but a senior official has disputed that such comments were made. Vice President J.D. Vance publicly denied that Gabbard or he were excluded from planning, saying reports of sidelining were “false” and emphasizing collective teamwork in the operation. 

The episode reflects broader tensions over foreign policy and interventionism in the Trump administration, particularly given Gabbard’s 2019 statements warning against US involvement in Venezuela and similar conflicts. While Gabbard’s office has supported the mission after its execution, her absence from initial planning meetings and public operations imagery has fuelled speculation about divergent strategic approaches within senior US leadership.