Washington DC [US], May 23 : US President Donald Trump on Friday announced that Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard will step down from her post on June 30 after her husband was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, with Principal Deputy DNI Aaron Lukas set to take over as acting intelligence chief.
"Unfortunately, after having done a great job, Tulsi Gabbard will be leaving the Administration on June 30th. Her wonderful husband, Abraham, has been recently diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, and she, rightfully, wants to be with him, bringing him back to good health as they currently fight a tough battle together. I have no doubt he will soon be better than ever. Tulsi has done an incredible job, and we will miss her. Her highly respected Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Aaron Lukas, will serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence. President DONALD J. TRUMP," he said.
Gabbard shared her resignation letter on social media and said she felt it was imperative to remain by her husband's side during the treatment process.
https://x.com/TulsiGabbard/status/2057876821421527476?s=20
https://x.com/DNIGabbard/status/2057877960783204419?s=20
https://x.com/DepDNILukas/status/2057919805433270333?s=20
US Vice President JD Vance said Gabbard was a patriot.
In a post on X, he said, "Tulsi is a patriot, a great asset to the administration, and a dear friend. I'm sorry to see her go, but certainly understand that family comes first. She and her husband Abraham will be in my prayers as they face this next challenge together, and she has my gratitude for being a great addition to the administration and a loyal confidante. Godspeed Tulsi!"
https://x.com/JDVance/status/2057914638814310909?s=20
United States Senator Lindsey Graham appreciated Gabbard's service and said he will be praying for her.
https://x.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/2057907032418648427?s=20
Acting Attorney General Todd Balnche also thanked her for her sacrifices for the country.
https://x.com/DAGToddBlanche/status/2057889128784531538?s=20
Turning Point CEO Erika Kirk hoped for divine peace to surround Gabbard.
https://x.com/MrsErikaKirk/status/2057909430201811000?s=20
US Senator for California, Adam Schiff, noted how Gabbard politicised intelligence and dismantled critical agencies keeping Americans safe.
https://x.com/SenAdamSchiff/status/2057889631840911791?s=20
During her tenure as DNI, Gabbard undertook efforts aimed at restructuring the intelligence community, including reducing the size of the agency and dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes within the intelligence apparatus.