Desk: Tulsi Gabbard has resigned from her position as the U.S. Director of National Intelligence (DNI) under President Donald Trump. The development was reported by Fox News Digital, citing her resignation letter.
According to the report, Gabbard informed President Trump about her decision during a meeting held in the Oval Office on Friday. Her resignation has been accepted and will take effect from June 30.
Reason Behind Tulsi Gabbard’s Resignation
In her resignation letter addressed to President Trump, Gabbard expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her and for the opportunity to lead the Office of National Intelligence over the past year and a half.
According to Fox News Digital, she cited a serious family medical emergency as the reason for stepping down. Her husband, Abraham, was recently diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer.
Confirming her resignation in a social media post, Gabbard wrote:
“I have submitted my resignation effective June 30, 2026. My husband Abraham was recently diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer. He faces major challenges in the weeks and months ahead. At this time, I need to step away from public service to be with him and fully support him through this battle.”
Trump Reacts to Gabbard’s Exit
U.S. President Donald Trump also responded to the resignation on Truth Social. He wrote:
“Unfortunately, after doing a fantastic job, Tulsi Gabbard will be leaving the administration on June 30. Her beloved husband Abraham was recently diagnosed with a rare bone cancer. She truly wants to be by his side to help him regain good health. They are fighting this difficult battle together. I have no doubt he will recover stronger than ever.”
Trump further praised Gabbard’s work, saying:
“Tulsi has done an incredible job and we will miss her greatly.”
He also announced that Aaron Lucas, the highly respected Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, will serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence.
Who Is Tulsi Gabbard?
Tulsi Gabbard was born on April 12, 1981, in American Samoa. She served four terms as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Hawaii.
She later left the Democratic Party and supported Donald Trump in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Following Trump’s victory, she was appointed Director of National Intelligence in 2025.
Although Tulsi Gabbard is not of Indian origin, she has a deep connection with Hinduism and Indian culture. Her mother was influenced by Hindu traditions and gave Sanskrit names to all her children. The name “Tulsi” itself is associated with the sacred basil plant in Hinduism.
Influenced by Bhagavad Gita and Vaishnav Tradition
Gabbard has long been influenced by the Bhagavad Gita and the Vaishnav tradition. She became the first Hindu-American woman elected to the U.S. Congress and famously took her oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita.
Her relationship with India has remained strong both politically and culturally. She has visited India multiple times and consistently advocated for stronger India-U.S. ties.
In 2014, she presented a copy of the Bhagavad Gita to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She has also publicly supported International Yoga Day.
Most recently, in March 2025, she visited India to discuss terrorism and security cooperation with Indian officials. Due to her Hindu identity and positive stance toward India, she has remained a widely discussed figure in India as well.