Tulsi Gabbard announced on Friday that she is stepping down as the director of national intelligence after her husband was diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer.
In a letter addressed to President Trump, Gabbard stated that her resignation would take effect on June 30.
“My husband, Abraham, has recently been diagnosed with a very rare kind of bone cancer.
He will face significant challenges in the weeks and months ahead. At this moment, I need to step away from public service to be with him and support him fully during this fight,” she explained. “I cannot, in good conscience, ask him to face this battle alone while I continue in this demanding and time-consuming role.”
Gabbard mentioned that her husband has been her “rock” throughout their 11-year marriage, which has included his deployment, her political campaigns, and her work in the Trump administration.
“His strength and love have helped me through every challenge,” she added.
Gabbard also stated that she is “fully dedicated to ensuring a smooth and thorough transition in the coming weeks.”
Mr. Trump praised Gabbard in a post on Truth Social, saying she “has done an incredible job.”
He announced that Aaron Lukas, Gabbard’s deputy at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, will take over as acting director temporarily.
Gabbard’s resignation was initially reported by Fox News.
She is the fourth Cabinet member to leave the administration this year, following Attorney General Pam Bondi, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer.
Her departure will create an important vacancy in a key position overseeing the nation’s intelligence community during the ongoing conflict with Iran.
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