Politics
Tulsi Gabbard Steps Down as National Intelligence Director to Support Husband Through Cancer Fight
Tulsi Gabbard is stepping away from Washington to focus on a deeply personal family crisis.
According to Fox News, Gabbard announced on Friday, May 22 that she is resigning from her position as Director of National Intelligence in President Donald Trump‘s cabinet after her husband, Abraham Williams, was diagnosed with “an extremely rare form of bone cancer.”
The 45-year-old former congresswoman reportedly informed Trump during a meeting in the Oval Office earlier Friday. Fox News Digital obtained Gabbard’s formal resignation letter, in which she reflected on both her public service and the difficult decision to leave her role behind.
“Unfortunately, I must submit my resignation, effective June 30, 2026,” Gabbard wrote in the letter, per the outlet. “My husband, Abraham, has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer.”
The former Hawaii representative explained that her husband now faces “major challenges in the coming weeks and months,” adding, “At this time, I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle.”
Gabbard and Williams have been married for 11 years. In her emotional statement to Trump, she described him as her constant source of support through military deployments, political campaigns and her high-profile intelligence role.
“Abraham has been my rock throughout our eleven years of marriage,” Gabbard shared, according to the report. “His strength and love have sustained me through every challenge.”
She also acknowledged the demanding nature of her position, writing, “I cannot in good conscience ask him to face this fight alone while I continue in this demanding and time-consuming position.”
During her tenure as DNI, Gabbard spearheaded several high-profile initiatives. She oversaw large-scale restructuring efforts, including dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs within the intelligence community.
Per the report, despite stepping down, Gabbard said she is committed to ensuring “a smooth and thorough transition” before her departure.
“I will remain forever grateful to you and to the American people for the profound honor of serving our nation as DNI,” she wrote.
