Tulsi Gabbard says she is stepping down as US intelligence chief

WASHINGTON: Tulsi Gabbard said on Friday that she is resigning from her position as US President Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence, saying she was leaving the post after her husband was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer.

Gabbard informed Trump of her decision during an Oval Office meeting on Friday. Fox News Digital had earlier reported that her resignation would take effect on June 30.

In a resignation letter posted on X, Gabbard thanked Trump for appointing her to the role and referred to her husband’s illness as the reason for her departure.

“deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me and for the opportunity to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence for the last year and a half.”

She also wrote:

“I cannot in good conscience ask him to face this fight alone while I continue in this demanding and time-consuming post,”

Trump names acting replacement

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Aaron Lukas would take over as acting director of national intelligence after Gabbard’s departure.

Trump praised Gabbard’s performance in office and said her decision was tied to her husband’s medical condition.

“a great job”

He added that with her husband diagnosed with bone cancer,

“she, rightfully, wants to be with him, bringing him back to good health as they currently fight a tough battle together.”

Report mentions internal tensions

The report also cited a source familiar with the matter as saying that Gabbard had been forced out by the White House.

Trump had previously signalled differences with Gabbard over their approach to Iran. In March, he said she was

“softer”

than him on efforts to curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

Gabbard’s resignation brings an end to her tenure leading the Office of the Director of National Intelligence after about a year and a half in the role.

Trump’s announcement means Aaron Lukas, currently serving as principal deputy director, is set to assume the role in an acting capacity from the date Gabbard’s resignation takes effect.