US: Tulsi Gabbard Resigns as Trump’s Intelligence Chief Over Husband’s Cancer Diagnosis

Tulsi Gabbard has resigned as U.S. Director of National Intelligence due to her husband's diagnosis with a rare bone cancer. Her resignation takes effect on June 30. In her resignation letter, Gabbard thanked President Donald Trump for his trust and said she was leaving public service to support her family. Trump praised her work and named Aaron Lukas as acting intelligence chief. The former Hawaii congresswoman said she remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition before her departure.

Tulsi Gabbard has announced her resignation as the United States Director of National Intelligence, citing a family health crisis as the primary reason for her decision. The former congresswoman informed President Donald Trump on Friday that she would be stepping down from one of the most influential national security positions in the country following her husband's diagnosis with a rare and serious form of bone cancer.
According to reports, Gabbard personally conveyed her decision during a meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office. Her resignation will officially take effect on June 30, ending a tenure that saw her oversee the coordination of America's intelligence agencies during a period marked by significant international tensions and domestic political debate.
In a heartfelt resignation letter that was later posted on her social media accounts, Gabbard expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve in the administration. She thanked President Trump for the confidence and trust he had placed in her over the past year and a half, describing her appointment as a great honor. However, she explained that the challenges facing her family had made it impossible for her to continue fulfilling the demanding responsibilities of her office while also providing the support her husband now requires.
Gabbard noted that her husband's recent diagnosis had fundamentally changed her priorities, compelling her to focus on her family during what she described as a difficult and uncertain period. She stated that stepping away from public service was not an easy decision but one she believed was necessary to ensure she could be fully present for her husband as he undergoes treatment and navigates the health challenges ahead.
President Trump accepted the resignation and praised Gabbard's service. In a statement, he commended her work as Director of National Intelligence, saying she had performed exceptionally well in a role that carries significant responsibility for the nation's security. Trump also expressed confidence in the leadership transition and announced that Deputy Director Aaron Lukas would assume the position of Acting Director of National Intelligence until a permanent successor is selected.
Gabbard's departure marks the end of a notable chapter in a political career that has often defied traditional partisan lines. A former Democratic representative from the state of Hawaii, she first gained national attention for her outspoken criticism of U.S. military interventions overseas. Throughout her years in Congress, she consistently argued for a more restrained foreign policy, emphasizing diplomacy and caution regarding military engagements abroad.
Her views frequently distinguished her from many figures in both major political parties and contributed to her reputation as an independent-minded political figure. Those positions, however, occasionally placed her at odds with members of the Trump administration, particularly regarding developments in the Middle East.
Tensions became more visible following military actions undertaken by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28. As Director of National Intelligence, Gabbard found herself under scrutiny as lawmakers sought clarification about the intelligence assessments that preceded the conflict and the extent to which potential consequences had been evaluated by U.S. agencies.
During a congressional hearing held in March, Gabbard faced repeated questioning from legislators regarding whether intelligence officials had warned the White House about possible regional and global repercussions arising from military action against Iran. Among the concerns raised was the possibility that Iran could respond by attempting to disrupt maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important shipping routes and a critical passage for global energy supplies.
Throughout the hearing, Gabbard carefully avoided directly endorsing the decision to launch the strikes. She repeatedly emphasized that the intelligence community's responsibility is to provide assessments and information rather than determine policy or make judgments regarding whether military action should be taken. Her assertion that it was not the intelligence community's role to decide what constituted an imminent threat drew criticism from some lawmakers and analysts, who argued that threat assessment lies at the core of intelligence work.
Despite the controversies that occasionally surrounded her tenure, Gabbard used her resignation letter to highlight accomplishments achieved during her time in office. She pointed to efforts aimed at increasing transparency within intelligence agencies and strengthening public confidence in institutions responsible for gathering and analyzing national security information. According to Gabbard, meaningful progress had been made toward restoring integrity and accountability throughout the intelligence community.
At the same time, she acknowledged that significant challenges remain. National security threats continue to evolve rapidly, ranging from geopolitical conflicts and terrorism to cyberattacks and emerging technological risks. Gabbard stated that while important reforms had been initiated, additional work would be required to further modernize intelligence operations and maintain public trust.
To ensure stability during the leadership transition, Gabbard pledged her full cooperation over the coming weeks. She stated that she remains committed to assisting colleagues, sharing institutional knowledge, and facilitating a seamless transfer of responsibilities before her departure becomes official at the end of June.
Her resignation comes at a critical moment for the U.S. intelligence community, which remains heavily involved in monitoring global conflicts, strategic rivalries, and emerging security threats. The administration must now prepare for the appointment of a new intelligence chief while continuing to manage ongoing international challenges.
As she prepares to leave office, Gabbard's decision underscores the personal sacrifices often required of public servants. While her tenure included moments of political controversy and intense public scrutiny, her departure is ultimately driven by family circumstances, with the former congresswoman choosing to prioritize her husband's health and well-being over her continued role in government. The coming weeks will focus on ensuring an orderly transition of leadership while she turns her attention toward supporting her family during a difficult chapter in their lives.