Tulsi Gabbard Resigns as Director of National Intelligence
Tulsi Gabbard resignation Director of National Intelligence
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard officially announced her resignation from the Trump administration on Friday, May 22, 2026. In a formal letter submitted to the White House, Gabbard stated that her final day in office will be June 30, 2026. She cited the recent diagnosis of her husband, Abraham, with an extremely rare form of bone cancer as the primary reason for her departure, noting that she must step away from public service to support him during his treatment.
President Donald Trump expressed regret regarding her departure and praised her service, stating, “Tulsi has done an incredible job, and we will miss her.” Shortly following the announcement, the President confirmed via Truth Social that Aaron Lukas, who currently serves as the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, has been appointed to step in as the Acting Director of National Intelligence effective July 1.
Gabbard’s departure concludes a 15-month tenure as the nation’s top intelligence official.
During her time in office, she focused on several of the President’s key political priorities, including efforts to increase transparency through declassification, initiatives regarding election security, and an investigation into the role of foreign actors in past presidential contests.
Her resignation has prompted messages of solidarity from across the political spectrum. Democratic Senator Mark Warner, Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, offered his support to Gabbard and her family, while emphasizing the importance of the DNI role in providing objective, fact-based intelligence.
Republican Senator Chuck Grassley also expressed regret at her exit, highlighting the work she conducted regarding government oversight and document production. As the administration prepares for this transition, Lukas is expected to ensure the continuity of intelligence operations during the search for a permanent successor.
