Tulsi Gabbard resigned as director of national intelligence after her husband, Abraham Williamshe was diagnosed with a rare cancer.
“Today, with great humility and sincere appreciation, I shared the letter below with President Trump,” Gabbard, 45, wrote via X on Friday, May 22. “It has been an honor to serve the American people as DNI.”
Gabbard's post included a copy of her resignation letter, which she sent to Trump. In the letter, Gabbard revealed that Williams was diagnosed with cancer.
“My husband, Abraham, was recently diagnosed with a very rare form of bone cancer. He faces tremendous challenges in the coming weeks and months,” Gabbard wrote. “For now, I have to leave public service to be by his side and fully support him in this fight.”
Gabbard and Williams tied the knot in 2015 in Hawaii. (The politician was previously married to her Eduardo Tamayo from 2002 to 2006.)
“Abraham has been my rock throughout our eleven years of marriage – standing strong through my deployment to East Africa for Joint Special Operations, many political campaigns and now serving in this role,” Gabbard continued. His strength and love have supported me through all the challenges. I cannot in good conscience ask him to face this battle alone while I continue in this difficult and time-consuming situation.”
The politician expressed his “absolute commitment” to “ensuring a smooth and complete transition” until his last day on June 30.
“Thank you for your understanding during this deeply personal and difficult time for our family,” Gabbard wrote to Trump. “I will always be grateful to you and the American people for the great honor of serving our nation as a DNI.”
President Donald Trump has announced another cabinet reshuffle with the departure of Attorney General Pam Bondi. Trump sent a shockwave on April 2, 2026, when he announced that Bondi would soon be leaving his administration to take on “a much-needed and important new role.” However, many media outlets have reported that Bondi has indeed been fired […]
Trump reacted to Gabbard's resignation online and praised her for the work she has done in her administration.
“Unfortunately, after doing a great job, Tulsi Gabbard will be leaving the Administration on June 30,” he wrote on Truth Social on Friday. “Her wonderful husband, Abraham, was recently diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, and rightfully so, she wants to be with him, to bring him back to good health as they are currently fighting an uphill battle together. I have no doubt that she will soon be better than ever. Tulsi did an amazing job, and we will miss her.”
Trump announced that Aaron Lukas will serve as acting director of national intelligence after Gabbard's departure.
