Tulsi Gabbard Steps Down as Director of National Intelligence

The BBC reported Friday that Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has stepped down from one of Washington’s most powerful roles, citing her husband’s recent diagnosis with a rare form of bone cancer. Her departure takes effect on June 30.

Gabbard Cites Husband’s Health in Resignation Letter

In her resignation letter, obtained by CBS News, Gabbard wrote that her husband Abraham faces serious medical challenges in the weeks and months ahead. She said she could not in good conscience continue in such a demanding role while he fights his illness without her full support. President Donald Trump praised her performance in a social media post, describing her service as incredible and expressing confidence that her husband would recover.

Trump also confirmed that Aaron Lukas, currently serving as principal deputy director, will assume the acting director role once Gabbard formally departs. No permanent replacement has been named.

Also Read: Rubio Tries to Reassure NATO Allies Over US Troop Deployments

A High-Profile but Increasingly Quiet Tenure

Gabbard was confirmed to the post in early 2025, shortly after Trump returned to the White House. As director, she held responsibility for coordinating across the full span of American intelligence agencies and served as a senior adviser to the president on national security matters.

Despite the seniority of her position, Gabbard spent much of this year away from the public spotlight. Her absence was particularly notable during a period of significant US foreign policy activity, including military action against Iran, diplomatic pressure on Cuba, and moves against Venezuela’s government. Her known anti-war views were reported to have placed her increasingly out of alignment with the broader direction of the administration.

Also Read: Why Thousands of Stock Trades Tied to Trump Are Raising Eyebrows

Background: From Political Rival to Intelligence Chief

Gabbard’s path to the intelligence directorship was unconventional. A former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, she ran against Trump in the 2020 primary cycle before eventually becoming one of his most prominent backers during the 2024 presidential campaign. That loyalty earned her a senior cabinet-level role after his election victory. Her tenure lasted roughly 17 months.

The White House has not announced a timeline for naming a permanent successor. Lukas will serve in an acting capacity until a replacement is confirmed.

Read Next: Trump Wants New Fed Chair to Be ‘Totally Independent’