Tulsi Gabbard resigning as director of national intelligence

Gabbard was confirmed to lead ODNI last year.

May 22, 2026, 2:28 PM

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is resigning from her post, a source familiar confirmed to ABC News on Friday.

The news was first reported by Fox News.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testifies before the Senate Committee on Intelligence hearings to examine worldwide threats on Capitol Hill, March 18, 2026, in Washington.
Jose Luis Magana/AP

Gabbard is stepping down after her husband of 11 years, Abraham Williams, was recently diagnosed with “an extremely rare form of bone cancer,” according to a resignation letter she posted to social media.

In the letter to President Donald Trump, Gabbard said Williams, “faces major challenges in the coming weeks and months.”

“At this time, I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle,” Gabbard wrote.

Her resignation is effective June 30, 2026, according to the letter.

Trump confirmed in a social media post that Gabbard will be resigning from her position, praising her for having done an “incredible job” and adding that the administration will “miss her.” 

The president added that Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Aaron Lukas will serve as acting DNI. 

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