President Donald Trump is increasingly relying on a select group of advisors as he considers military action against Iran’s nuclear program, according to defense officials and senior administration sources. While he solicits opinions from a wider circle, Trump’s core decision-making involves a few key figures: Vice President JD Vance, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Notably, he has sidelined National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, who is against strikes, and has not frequently consulted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, despite claims to the contrary.
Trump’s approach to military decisions diverges from past presidents, as he often engages in informal discussions rather than structured deliberations with senior officials about foreign policy options. This informal style can limit opportunities for military leaders to challenge his assumptions or express concerns. For instance, a surprise announcement by Trump last month regarding sanctions on Syria caught many senior officials off guard, highlighting the lack of forewarning and coordination.
More traditional protocols that involve the National Security Council in policy formulation have been drastically reduced since Trump’s return to the White House this year, resulting in less comprehensive oversight and preparation for potential military actions. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Trump is expected to decide about U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict within the next two weeks, emphasizing the urgency of his decision-making amidst a complex geopolitical landscape.
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