Tulsi Gabbard Resigns as US Director of National Intelligence; Fourth Cabinet Member to Depart Trump Administration This Year

Key Points

United States Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, has formally announced her resignation from her post on Friday, 22 May 2026, citing her husband's recent bone cancer  diagnosis as the reason. 

In a X post, Gabbard, sharing her resignation letter, stated she is stepping away from her role to help her husband through the “challenges he will be facing in the coming weeks and months.”

"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. He faces major challenges in the coming weeks and months. At this time, I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle," she wrote in the letter. 

"His strength and love have sustained me through every challenge. I cannot in good conscience ask him to face this fight alone while I continue in this demanding and time-consuming position," Gabbard added, talking about her husband.

US President Donald Trump, on his Truth Social account, praised Gabbard for “doing an incredible job” and said that “we will miss her.”

See also: Trump Halts Iran Attack at Gulf Monarchs’ Request as Democrats Renew War Powers Push

"Unfortunately, after having done a great job, Tulsi Gabbard will be leaving the Administration on June 30th. Her wonderful husband, Abraham, has been recently diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, and she, rightfully, wants to be with him, bringing him back to good health as they currently fight a tough battle together. I have no doubt he will soon be better than ever," Trump wrote.

Gabbard’s resignation comes after her top aide, former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent exited from Trump's administration two months ago, over the war in Iran.  

As the National Intelligence Director, Gabbard primarily handled coordination between various American intelligence agencies, and also served as the primary intelligence briefer to the president.

See also: Ex-CIA Chief Says Trump Is Responsible for Iran Crisis, Tells Him “It’s Not a Bad Idea to Talk to Your Allies”

Aaron Lukas, who is currently serving as the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, will be taking over Gabbard’s post and duties, Trump stated in his Truth Social post. Lukas is also a former member of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and had previously served on the National Security Council during President Trump's first term in the office. 

Gabbard, a staunch supporter of Donald Trump during his 2024 presidential campaign, was confirmed as one of the most powerful figures in the US intelligence community shortly after Trump returned to the White House in 2025. However, she has maintained a low public profile this year, even as the United States carried out military action against Iran, increased pressure on Cuba, and played a key role in the removal of Venezuela’s president Nicolás Maduro.

Gabbard’s resignation marks the fourth departure of top US officials from Trump's administration this year. Lori Chavez-DeRemer left her position as labor secretary in April 2026, while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi both left the administration earlier this year.

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