Tulsi Gabbard has made the decision to resign from her position as Director of National Intelligence within the Trump administration, citing her husband’s recent diagnosis of a rare form of bone cancer as the primary reason.
During a meeting with President Donald Trump on Friday, Gabbard conveyed her intention to resign, effective June 30. In her resignation letter, she expressed her gratitude for leading the Office of the Director of National Intelligence for the past 18 months.
In her letter, Gabbard stated, “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.” She emphasized the significant challenges her husband faces in the upcoming 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,” she wrote, assuring that she would facilitate a smooth transition in leadership.
This resignation signifies a substantial shift within the Trump administration’s intelligence framework, as Gabbard’s role had been pivotal. She highlighted her husband’s unwavering support during their eleven-year marriage, which included numerous challenges such as her deployment on missions and political campaigns.
Gabbard noted, “I cannot in good conscience ask him to face this fight alone while I continue in this demanding and time-consuming position.” In her letter, she reflected on her accomplishments, emphasizing the significant progress she made towards advancing transparency and integrity in the intelligence community.
The White House has yet to announce a successor, but plans for succession are already in motion ahead of her departure. As of Friday afternoon, President Trump had not publicly addressed Gabbard’s resignation. She concluded her letter with a heartfelt appreciation for the support of the president and the American people.
“Thank you for your understanding during this deeply personal and difficult time for our family,” she wrote. “I will remain forever grateful to you and to the American people for the profound honor of serving our nation as DNI.”
