Tulsi Gabbard resigns as US director of national intelligence

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Friday announced she is leaving the United States government at the end of June.

Gabbard, in a letter to President Donald Trump, said her husband, Abraham Williams, was recently diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer.

The former military officer explained she must step away from public service to fully support Abraham, as he faces major challenges in the coming months.

Gabbard, confirmed by the Senate in February 2025, expressed gratitude to the President for the trust placed in her to lead the National Intelligence Office.

Affirming the ODNI has recorded significant progress in advancing transparency and restoring integrity to the intelligence community, she said, “There is still important work to be done.”

In a Truth Social Post, Trump praised Gabbard for “an incredible job” and announced Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Aaron Lukas will serve as acting DNI.

In March, Gabbard attended a Senate hearing on global threats where she laid out intelligence on countries developing ballistic missiles with the potential to reach the homeland.

Her exit from the cabinet follows the recent departure of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.