Washington: Tulsi Gabbard has resigned from her position as the United States Director of National Intelligence, according to reports from Fox News and other US media outlets. The development was first reported by Fox News and later covered by several international media organisations, including Reuters and The Times of India.
Gabbard informed US President Donald Trump about her decision during a meeting in the Oval Office. Her resignation will take effect on June 30, 2026.
In her resignation letter, Gabbard said she was stepping away from public service to support her husband, Abraham Williams, who has been diagnosed with an “extremely rare form of bone cancer.” She explained that the medical situation requires her full attention in the coming months.
I am deeply grateful for the trust President Trump placed in me and for the opportunity to lead @ODNIgov for the last year and a half.
Unfortunately, I must submit my resignation, effective June 30, 2026. My husband, Abraham, has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare… pic.twitter.com/PS0Dxp5zpd— Tulsi Gabbard 🌺 (@TulsiGabbard) May 22, 2026
According to Reuters, there were also reports suggesting tensions within the White House regarding Gabbard’s role and performance as intelligence chief. However, Gabbard publicly cited personal reasons linked to her husband’s health as the basis for her departure. During her tenure, Gabbard remained a controversial figure in Washington politics. The former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii had faced criticism from political opponents over several of her foreign policy views and public statements. Reports also indicated disagreements within the Trump administration on issues related to Iran and broader national security matters.
BREAKING: The White House forced US intelligence official Tulsi Gabbard to resign from her post, a person familiar with the matter said. Gabbard posted her resignation letter on X https://t.co/Ce9JYs1Vvf pic.twitter.com/JBOqlktFpg
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 22, 2026
President Trump praised Gabbard’s work following the announcement and said she had done an “incredible job” leading the intelligence community. Reuters reported that Aaron Lukas is expected to serve as acting intelligence chief after her exit.
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