Tulsi Gabbard Resigns as Intelligence Director to Care for Husband

National News - Tulsi Gabbard is stepping down as Director of National Intelligence, effective June 30, 2026. She submitted her resignation in a letter to President Donald Trump dated May 22, 2026. The decision comes after her husband, Abraham, was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer.

In her letter, Gabbard told the president, "I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle." She described the coming weeks and months as a time of major challenges for her family.

Gabbard reflected on her husband's unwavering support throughout their eleven years of marriage. She noted that he stood by her during a deployment to East Africa on a Joint Special Operations mission, through multiple political campaigns, and through her time as DNI.

She wrote, "I cannot in good conscience ask him to face this fight alone while I continue in this demanding and time-consuming position."

She also acknowledged the work still ahead at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Gabbard said she is committed to a smooth transition so there is no disruption in leadership.

She closed her letter by writing, "I will remain forever grateful to you and to the American people for the profound honor of serving our nation as DNI."

President Trump confirmed the news and praised her service. He said in a statement, "Tulsi has done an incredible job, and we will miss her." Trump added that he has no doubt Abraham will recover, saying, "I have no doubt he will soon be better than ever."

Trump also announced who will fill the role on an acting basis. He stated that "her highly respected Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Aaron Lukas, will serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence" following her departure.

Gabbard served as DNI for approximately a year and a half. She led the office with a focus on transparency and restoring integrity to the intelligence community, according to her resignation letter.