Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced her resignation Friday afternoon, citing personal reasons.
The former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii will remain at her post until June 30. She told President Donald Trump of her decision to step down from her role after her husband was diagnosed with an “extremely rare form of bone cancer.”
In her letter to the president, she said her husband, Abraham, “faces major challenges in the coming weeks and months,” adding that she “must step away from public service to be by his side” to support her husband fully.
Gabbard described her husband as her “rock” during their 11 years of marriage.
She told the president that she is “deeply grateful” for the “trust” he has placed in her to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
“While we have made significant progress as the ODNI – advancing unprecedented transparency and restoring integrity to the intelligence community – I recognize there is still important work to be done. I am fully committed to ensuring a smooth and thorough transition over the coming weeks so that you and your team experience no disruption in leadership and momentum,” Gabbard wrote.
In a Truth Social post, the president praised Gabbard’s performance, while announcing her temporary replacement.
“Tulsi has done an incredible job, and we will miss her. Her highly respected Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Aaron Lukas, will serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence,” the president wrote.
Gabbard joined Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as one of the few Democrats who had turned independent to join the Trump coalition and administration.
She has remained loyal to the administration despite reports that she is at odds with the White House over the Iranian strikes. However, she never voiced or confirmed any disagreements with the administration.
