President Donald Trump on Wednesday, 27 May publicly lauded outgoing Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard for what he characterised as a sweeping overhaul of the US intelligence community, crediting her with exposing evidence tied to what he called the 'Russia, Russia, Russia hoax' and overseeing the declassification of historically significant documents.

Key Remarks at the Cabinet Meeting

Speaking at a White House Cabinet meeting, Trump said Gabbard had 'worked tirelessly to restore trust and focus' within the intelligence apparatus. He praised her for dramatically reforming the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), stating she had cut the office's staffing by 40% and revoked security clearances of officials linked to past probes into alleged Russian interference in US elections.

'She dramatically reformed the office of Director of National Intelligence,' Trump said. 'She exposed mountains of evidence related to the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax.'

Declassification of Historic Documents

Trump also credited Gabbard with overseeing the declassification of records connected to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy. 'She declassified numerous historic documents of special public interest,' he said. The release of such records has long been a subject of public and congressional interest, with previous administrations having delayed full disclosure citing national security concerns.

UFO and Extraterrestrial Disclosures

In a notable aside, Trump indicated the administration is preparing to release additional classified material related to 'extraterrestrial' subjects and unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP). 'We're releasing a lot of information having to do with extraterrestrial terrestrial things,' Trump said, adding that 'people are totally fascinated by it.' He claimed the disclosures had become 'literally trending number one,' though he offered no specifics on the timeline or scope of future releases.

Counter-terrorism Leads and Personal Tribute

Trump also credited Gabbard with providing intelligence leads that helped prevent terrorists and cartel members from entering the United States, though he did not elaborate on operational details. 'She gave us leads that people thought were dead, and they weren't dead,' he said. 'It was amazing.' The President closed his remarks with a personal note, thanking Gabbard directly and saying the administration was 'praying' for her husband, whom he described as unwell.

Context and What Comes Next

Gabbard's tenure as DNI has been closely watched since her confirmation, given her prior political history and the administration's stated intent to restructure the intelligence community. The 40% staffing reduction at ODNI, if accurate, would represent one of the most significant organisational contractions at the agency in recent memory. Critics have argued that such cuts risk hollowing out institutional expertise, while supporters contend the agency had grown bloated and politicised. With Gabbard departing, the administration is expected to name a successor; the transition period will test whether the reforms she reportedly implemented are institutionalised or reversed.