Tulsi Gabbard Resigns as Trump's Director of National Intelligence Citing Husband's Illness
Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence under President Donald Trump's administration, handed in her resignation during a meeting with the President on Friday, May 22, 2026. Gabbard cited her husband, Abraham's, battle with an extremely rare form of bone cancer
as the reason for her resignation, which is expected to become effective on June 30, 2026.
Background and Context
Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman and presidential candidate, has had a controversial tenure in the Trump administration. She was an unusual choice for the role given her lack of background in intelligence and her foreign policy views which at times diverged from Trump's, particularly on questions of overseas military intervention. Despite this, she took significant measures to align herself with the president's agenda, vowing to root out politicization across US spy agencies.
Key Developments and Details
In her resignation letter obtained by Fox News Digital, Gabbard expressed her gratitude for the trust placed in her by President Trump and for the opportunity to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence for the past year and a half. She stated, Unfortunately, I must submit my resignation, effective June 30, 2026. My husband, Abraham, has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer. At this time, I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle.
Despite her dedication to her husband's health, some sources suggest other reasons for Gabbard's resignation. Reports from the Japan Times and ANSA indicate that Gabbard may have been forced out by the White House. The Guardian also reported that Gabbard had been sidelined from major operations and decisions since her nomination, and was largely out of public view during recent US operations.
Implications and Reactions
Gabbard's departure marks the fourth female official to leave Trump's cabinet during his second term. Her resignation also comes amid reports of tension between her and the Trump administration over Iran. Earlier this year, she told Congress that Tehran had made no efforts
to rebuild its nuclear programme after last year's June strikes, which contradicted Trump's justification for attacking Iran in February. These tensions were highlighted by Middle East Eye, which described Gabbard as a sidelined Iran war sceptic.
Conclusion
Despite the controversy surrounding her tenure and her resignation, Gabbard's departure seems to be largely driven by her husband's health. As she steps away from public service, the country awaits who President Trump will name as the Acting Chief of National Intelligence.