Tulsi Gabbard is resigning as director of national intelligence
CNN • • nation
Key Points:
- Tulsi Gabbard announced her resignation as Director of National Intelligence effective June 30, 2026, citing her husband Abraham’s diagnosis with a rare form of bone cancer as the reason for stepping down to support him.
- President Donald Trump praised Gabbard’s service and announced that Principal Deputy Director Aaron Lukas will serve as acting director following her departure.
- Gabbard’s tenure was marked by occasional tensions with the White House, especially over her stance on the US war with Iran, and her resignation follows recent departures of other Cabinet members under Trump.
- A former Democratic congresswoman and 2020 presidential candidate, Gabbard switched to the GOP, endorsed Trump in 2024, and was appointed to lead the intelligence community after serving on his transition team.
- In her resignation letter, Gabbard emphasized her husband’s unwavering support throughout her career and expressed her inability to continue in her demanding role while he faces his health battle alone.