Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has announced her resignation from the Trump administration, effective June 30, to focus on her husband’s battle with bone cancer. In her resignation letter, Gabbard stated she could not in good conscience remain in the demanding role while her husband, Abraham, faces major health challenges.
President Trump praised her service, noting she had done an incredible job, and confirmed that Principal Deputy Director Aaron Lukas will step in as acting director.
Gabbard’s tenure was marked by a significant effort to streamline the intelligence community, including a bold plan to cut agency staff by nearly 50% to combat what she described as a bloated and inefficient bureaucracy.
Her departure follows a period where she largely remained out of the public eye during major administration actions, including operations against Iran and the removal of the Venezuelan president.
While Gabbard previously held anti-interventionist views, she ultimately aligned with the President’s authority as commander-in-chief regarding national security threats. Gabbard, who transitioned from the Democratic Party to become a staunch Trump supporter, remains a notable figure for her efforts to reform the intelligence apparatus.
She is the fourth cabinet member to depart the second Trump administration, following the exits of Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Kristi Noem, and Pam Bondi.
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