World News
Tulsi Gabbard Resigns as Trump’s Intelligence Chief After Husband’s Cancer Diagnosis
Tulsi Gabbard has announced her resignation as the Director of National Intelligence under President Donald Trump, citing a serious family health emergency as the reason behind her decision.
Tulsi Gabbard has announced her resignation as the Director of National Intelligence under President Donald Trump, citing a serious family health emergency as the reason behind her decision.
Gabbard revealed on Friday that her husband had recently been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, prompting her to step away from one of the most demanding positions in the US government. Her resignation will officially take effect on June 30.
According to reports, Gabbard personally informed President Trump about her decision during a meeting in the Oval Office earlier in the day. In a heartfelt resignation letter shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence over the past year and a half.
“I cannot in good conscience ask him to face this fight alone while I continue in this demanding and time-consuming post,” Gabbard wrote in her statement.
The announcement quickly sparked discussions across political circles in Washington, especially as Gabbard had become one of the most closely watched figures in Trump’s national security team.
President Trump later responded on his Truth Social platform, praising Gabbard for her work during her tenure. He said she had done “a great job” and supported her decision to prioritize her family during a difficult time.
Trump also confirmed that Aaron Lukas, currently serving as Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, will take over as acting intelligence chief after Gabbard’s departure.
While the official reason for her resignation centers around her husband’s medical condition, reports citing sources familiar with the matter claimed that Gabbard may also have faced growing pressure inside the White House. However, no official confirmation regarding internal disagreements has been made public.
Over recent months, observers had noted subtle policy differences between Trump and Gabbard, particularly regarding Iran and its nuclear ambitions. Earlier this year, Trump publicly suggested that Gabbard held a “softer” stance on Iran compared to his administration’s more aggressive approach.
Despite political speculation, Gabbard’s resignation message focused entirely on family and personal responsibility, striking an emotional tone that resonated widely online.
Her exit marks another major change within Trump’s national security leadership at a time when global tensions and US foreign policy decisions remain under intense international scrutiny.
