Tulsi Gabbard Resigns as US Intelligence Chief

Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence for the United States, has announced that she will resign from her position. In a letter to President Donald Trump, Gabbard explained that her husband, Abraham, was recently diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. She stated that she needs to step away from her demanding role to support him through his treatment. Her resignation is set to take effect on June 30.

President Trump shared his reaction on social media, stating that Gabbard has done an "incredible job" and that she will be missed. He also noted that he understands her need to be with her husband during this difficult time. To fill the vacancy, the president announced that Aaron Lukas, who currently serves as the principal deputy director, will take over as the acting director of national intelligence.

Gabbard’s time in the administration was notable for several reasons. A former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii and a military veteran, she was a strong supporter of Donald Trump during his 2024 presidential campaign. After Trump returned to the White House in 2025, she was confirmed as one of the most powerful figures in the American intelligence community. However, her tenure was not without challenges. She faced scrutiny regarding her past political positions and her views on international conflicts.

One major point of tension involved the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Gabbard, who has long been known for her opposition to foreign wars, often found herself in a difficult position as the administration took military action. In March, during a congressional hearing, she was questioned about whether the White House knew about the potential risks of the conflict. At the time, she avoided giving a direct answer, which led to criticism from some lawmakers.

Furthermore, there were public disagreements between Gabbard and the president regarding Iran’s nuclear program. While Gabbard told Congress that the intelligence community did not believe Iran was building a nuclear weapon, President Trump publicly disagreed with her assessment. He stated that he believed Iran was very close to having such a weapon, and when asked about the difference in their statements, he simply told reporters that she was "wrong."

Despite these disagreements, Gabbard’s departure is part of a larger trend within the Trump administration. She is the fourth Cabinet member to leave her post this year. Other high-profile departures include Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi. These changes have led to questions about the stability of the administration as it continues to manage ongoing international and domestic issues.

In her resignation letter, Gabbard expressed gratitude for the trust the president placed in her over the last year and a half. She also mentioned that she is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for her successor. Although she faced criticism during her time in office, she maintained that she worked to bring more transparency and integrity to the intelligence community. As she prepares to leave, her focus remains entirely on her family and her husband’s health battle.