Tulsi Gabbard announced her resignation on Friday director of national intelligenceciting her husband’s serious health condition. However, shortly after the news was announced, there were reports that White House In fact, the Trump administration has vehemently denied this claim.
In a resignation letter shared on X, Gabbard said her husband, abraham williamsDiagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, she will need her full support over the next few months.
“At this time, I must resign from public office to stand by his side and fully support him through this battle,” she wrote, adding that June 30 would be her last day in office.
She also called Williams her “rock of strength” throughout their marriage, citing his support during her military deployments, political campaigns and service in the Trump administration.
Also read: Tulsi Gabbard and Husband Abraham Williams’ Beautiful Love Story: From Surfer Buddy to Soulmate
President Donald Trump later praised Gabbard on The Truth Society, saying she had done an “incredible job” and saying he wished her husband a speedy recovery.
Report sparks speculation
Despite Gabbard’s public explanation, Reuters reported that a person familiar with the matter said she had been “pushed out” from the White House.
The report sparked speculation about tensions within the government. Gabbard has at times clashed with senior intelligence officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, according to multiple reports.
Questions have also been raised about whether disagreements over U.S. military action against Iran may have contributed to the situation. Gabbard’s political identity is largely built around opposition to foreign wars, which made Trump’s decision to attack Iran earlier this year politically complicated for her.
A few months ago, Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned, saying he could not support the government’s approach to the conflict.
The White House strongly denies this claim
The White House has rejected suggestions that Gabbard was forced to resign.
Spokesman Davis R. Ingle called the reports “defamatory” and defended Trump and Gabbard.
“Tulsi Gabbard is an America-first patriot who has served this country faithfully and with distinction over the past 16 months,” Ingle said in a statement.
“As the president has said, she resigned to ensure that her husband was better than ever. Any suggestion that the White House forced her to resign because of her husband’s health is defamatory,” he added.
Gabbard’s exit marks another major departure from Trump’s cabinet during his second term. The former Democratic congresswoman supports Trump during the 2024 election cycle. Her resignation follows other recent exits from the administration, including former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and former Attorney General Pam Bondi.
