U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard submitted her resignation today to President Donald Trump, American television network Fox News reported. “Regrettably, I must submit my resignation, effective June 30, 2026,” Gabbard wrote in the letter addressed to Trump, the American media outlet detailed.
Gabbard justified her resignation by stating that her husband was recently diagnosed with “an extremely rare form of bone cancer.” Her departure ends a turbulent tenure at the helm of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which oversees the country’s 18 intelligence agencies.
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According to the American press, the resignation also follows a period of growing political friction between Gabbard and the White House. The intelligence chief had faced internal pushback over her non-interventionist foreign policy views, particularly regarding the administration’s military strategy and actions in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Following her resignation notice, President Donald Trump praised Gabbard on social media for her work, stating that she rightfully wants to be by her husband’s side during this difficult health battle. The president also announced that Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Aaron Lukas will take over the role in an acting capacity.