Tulsi Gabbard stepped down Friday as Director of National Intelligence, saying she needs to leave her high-level post to care for her husband after he was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer.
In a resignation letter sent to President Donald Trump and posted on social media, Gabbard set her last day as June 30. The move comes just over a year and a half into her role as head of the nation’s intelligence community.
“I am deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me,” Gabbard wrote. “Unfortunately, I must submit my resignation, effective June 30, 2026.
“My husband, Abraham, has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer. He faces major challenges in the coming weeks and months. At this time, I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle.”
Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii who later became an independent and joined Trump’s administration, described her husband as her rock during their 11 years of marriage.
Also Read: CIA Reportedly Raids National Intelligence Director’s Office Over JFK, MKUltra Files
She mentioned his support through her military deployment, political campaigns, and now her time in intelligence work.
“His strength and love have seen me through every challenge,” she wrote. I cannot, in good conscience, ask him to fight this battle alone in my being in this demanding, time-consuming position.
She cited work done under her watch, including increased transparency and efforts to restore integrity to the intelligence agencies. She promised to assist with a smooth transition so that operations can continue without a hitch.
“Thank you for your support during this very difficult and personal time for our family,” she wrote. “I will always be grateful to you and the American people for the great honor of serving our nation as DNI.”
Born in American Samoa and raised in Hawaii, Gabbard served in the Hawaii Army National Guard and deployed to Iraq.
Also Read: Vanessa Trump Breaks Silence on Breast Cancer Diagnosis
She entered Congress in 2013 and gained national attention for her anti-interventionist foreign policy views. She ran for president in 2020 before leaving the Democratic Party.
Trump named Gabbard DNI after winning the 2024 election. She was applauded by those who saw her as an outsider who could shake up the intelligence bureaucracy.
However, she was criticized by traditional Washington figures who questioned her past comments on foreign policy and national security.
Since taking office, Gabbard has sought to reform parts of the intelligence community. In public appearances, she emphasized the need for agencies to focus on real threats and avoid politicization.
President Trump Responds to Gabbard’s Resignation
President Donald Trump responded to Gabbard’s resignation in a statement released Friday afternoon, noting that she has done a commendable job.
“Unfortunately, after having done a great job, Tulsi Gabbard will be leaving the Administration on June 30th,” Trump said. “Her wonderful husband, Abraham, has been recently diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, and she, rightfully, wants to be with him, bringing him back to good health as they currently fight a tough battle together. I have no doubt he will soon be better than ever. Tulsi has done an incredible job, and we will miss her.”
Trump added that her Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Aaron Lukas, will serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence.
The announcement quickly drew reactions across social media, with many Americans offering prayers for the family and thanks for her service.
Many users also posted messages wishing Abraham a full recovery and thanking Tulsi for her time in government.
