Tulsi Gabbard has announced her resignation as the US Director of National Intelligence (DNI), becoming the latest high-ranking official to depart President Donald Trump’s administration.
Gabbard’s resignation is scheduled to take effect on 30 June, reports CNBC.
In a formal letter addressed to the president on Friday, she explained that her decision was motivated by a desire to support her husband, Abraham Williams, following his recent diagnosis with a rare form of bone cancer.
“I cannot in good conscience ask him to face this fight alone while I continue in this demanding and time-consuming position,” Gabbard wrote in the correspondence dated 22 May.
Trump confirmed the news later that day via a Truth Social post, stating that Gabbard had performed an “incredible job” and would be missed. He further announced that Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Aaron Lukas will assume the role in an acting capacity.
The announcement, which was first reported by Fox News, adds to a growing list of departures from the current administration this year. Just over a month ago, Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned as Secretary of Labour to transition into a private-sector role.
Other notable exits include Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was dismissed by Trump in April following scrutiny over her management of cases linked to Jeffrey Epstein.
She was succeeded in an acting capacity by Todd Blanche, her former deputy and the president’s personal defence attorney.
Additionally, in March, Kristi Noem was ousted from her position as head of the Department of Homeland Security following nationwide controversies regarding her implementation of aggressive immigration enforcement policies.
