Tulsi Gabbard announces resignation after husband’s bone cancer diagnosis

“Unfortunately, I must submit my resignation, effective June 30, 2026,” Gabbard said. “My husband, Abraham, has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer.

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

Gabbard has been married to Abraham Williams for 11 years. She described him as “my rock.”

“His strength and love have sustained me through every challenge,” she wrote. “I cannot in good conscience ask him to face this fight alone while I continue in this demanding and time-consuming position.”

In a Truth Social post, Trump said Gabbard “has done an incredible job” and will be missed.

“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,” Trump wrote. “I have no doubt he will soon be better than ever.”

ODNI Principal Deputy Director Aaron Lukas will take her place in an acting capacity, Trump said.

The spy chief has been serving in the role since the Senate confirmed her in February 2025. She is the latest administration official to leave, following former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and former Attorney General Pam Bondi. Both were ousted by Trump.

Former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigned in a similar manner to Gabbard, but her departure came amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

Since she has been in office, Gabbard has declassified more than half a million pages of government records pertaining to the disputed Trump-Russia investigation, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and other areas.

In her resignation letter, Gabbard said she has “made significant progress at the ODNI — advancing unprecedented transparency and restoring integrity to the intelligence community.” However, she recognizes “there is still important work to be done.”

Gabbard said she was “fully committed” to making sure the transition period goes smoothly in the coming weeks.

ODNI DENIES CLAIMS CIA RAIDED GABBARD’S OFFICE OVER JFK AND MKULTRA FILES

Reuters reported that instead of a voluntary resignation, the White House had forced Gabbard out of her ODNI role. The report cited a “source familiar with the matter.”

In a comment to the Washington Examiner, a senior administration official called the Reuters report “total bulls***.”

Kaelan Deese and Naomi Lim contributed to this report.