Tulsi Gabbard has resigned as the director of national intelligence after her husband, Abraham Williams, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
“Today, with great humility and sincere appreciation, I shared the below letter with President Trump,” Gabbard, 45, wrote via X on Friday, May 22. “It has been a profound honor to serve the American people as DNI.”
Gabbard’s post included a copy of her letter of resignation, which she sent to Trump. In the letter, Gabbard revealed that Williams was diagnosed with cancer.
“My husband, Abraham, has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer. He faces major challenges in the coming weeks and months,” Gabbard wrote. “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 tied the knot in 2015 in Hawaii. (The politician was previously married to Eduardo Tamayo from 2002 to 2006.)
“Abraham has been my rock throughout our eleven years of marriage — standing steadfast through my deployment to East Africa on a Joint Special Operations mission, multiple political campaigns and now my service in this role,” Gabbard continued. “His strength and love have sustained me through every challenge. I cannot in good conscience ask him to face this fight alone while I continue in this demanding and time-consuming position.”
The politician expressed she was “fully committed” to “ensuring a smooth and thorough transition” until her 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 remain forever grateful to you and the American people for the profound honor of serving our nation as DNI.”
Trump reacted to Gabbard’s resignation online and praised her for the work she has done in his administration.
“Unfortunately, after having done a great job, Tulsi Gabbard will be leaving the Administration on June 30th,” he wrote via Truth Social on Friday. “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. I have no doubt he will soon be better than ever. Tulsi has done an incredible job, and we will miss her.”
Trump announced that Aaron Lukas will serve as the acting director of national intelligence following Gabbard’s departure.
