Tulsi Gabbard has announced her resignation from the position of U.S. Director of National Intelligence. She made the announcement on Friday (May 22, local time).
Gabbard said her resignation will take effect on June 30, citing her husband’s diagnosis with a rare form of cancer.
In her resignation letter addressed to U.S. President Donald Trump, she wrote that she needs to step down from public service to support her husband during this difficult period.
“Sadly, I must submit my resignation, effective June 30, 2026,” Gabbard stated in the letter.
She added that her husband, Abraham, was recently diagnosed with a rare bone cancer and will face significant medical challenges in the coming weeks and months.
However, political discussions surrounding her resignation have also emerged in Washington. According to a White House source, internal disagreements within the administration may have contributed to her departure.
In particular, Gabbard’s differences with President Trump over Iran policy had reportedly been a topic of discussion for months. In March, Trump hinted that Gabbard had taken a “more flexible” stance on Iran’s nuclear program than he preferred.
The position of Director of National Intelligence was created after the September 11, 2001 attacks to strengthen the U.S. national security structure. It is now considered one of the most significant security-related roles in the U.S. government.
Trump appointed former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard to the role after beginning his second presidential term in January last year.
