Tulsi Gabbard Resigns as US Intelligence Chief

Tulsi Gabbard has announced her resignation as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) of the United States, effective June 30, 2026. In a letter to President Donald Trump, Gabbard explained her decision stems from her husband Abraham's recent diagnosis with an extremely rare form of bone cancer. She stated her need to step away from public service to provide full support during his challenging treatment period. President Trump acknowledged Gabbard's "incredible job" and expressed his desire to help her husband, naming Deputy Director Aaron Lukas as the Acting DNI. Gabbard, a former Democratic politician, was a notable choice for the intelligence chief role, given her history of questioning intelligence operations and opposing US foreign military interventions, including the war in Iran. Her tenure was marked by controversy, including a meeting with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and accusations of spreading Kremlin propaganda. As an Iraq War veteran, her views on government surveillance and support for NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden also drew scrutiny. Despite her past positions, Trump appointed her to the DNI role. However, reports suggest Gabbard became increasingly marginalized in decision-making, particularly concerning the war with Iran. She reportedly missed key meetings and consistently failed to fully support the administration's justifications for the attack, emphasizing that the decision rested with the president. Gabbard also stated that US intelligence had concluded Iran was not rebuilding its nuclear capacity.

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Unfortunately, I must submit my resignation, effective June 30.