Tulsi Gabbard Resigns as DNI Effective June 30, Citing Husband's Rare Bone Cancer
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · May 22
Tulsi Gabbard Resigns as DNI Effective June 30, Citing Husband's Rare Bone Cancer
20 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · May 22
June 30 is Gabbard’s planned exit date as director of national intelligence, with Trump naming principal deputy Aaron Lukas to serve as acting DNI.
A rare bone cancer diagnosis for her husband drove the decision, Gabbard wrote, saying she must leave public service to support him through major challenges ahead.
Her departure makes her the fourth Cabinet official to leave in Trump’s second term and comes after months of friction over Iran policy.
Iran had put Gabbard in an awkward position: the antiwar former Hawaii congresswoman repeatedly avoided endorsing Trump’s strikes while testifying that Iran had not rebuilt its nuclear program.
The resignation caps a turbulent tenure in which Gabbard, 44, led the office overseeing 18 intelligence agencies despite no prior intelligence experience and pushed major workforce and policy changes.
What does her exit signal about the pressures facing top national security officials?
With her departure, what is the future of the intelligence reforms she championed?
How will new intelligence leadership navigate the ongoing conflict with Iran?