US spy chief Tulsi Gabbard resigns under White House pressure: report

Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard announced on Friday that she was stepping down from her role to support her husband, who was recently diagnosed with “an extremely rare bone disease.” cancer“.She shared her resignation letter on X after Fox News first reported her decision to resign.President Donald Trump thanked Gabbard for her service and announced that Aaron Lucas will serve as interim director of national intelligence.“Unfortunately, after doing an incredible job, Tulsi Gabbard will be leaving the government on June 30. Her wonderful husband, Abraham, was recently diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, and she rightfully wants to be with him and nurse him back to health as they are currently fighting an uphill battle together. I have no doubt he will be better than ever soon,” Trump wrote on his Truth social platform.Meanwhile, Reuters reported that the White House was “pressuring” Gabbard to step down.There has been speculation Gabbard could part ways with the Trump administration following Trump’s decision to strike against Iran, a move that reportedly sparked divisions within the administration.In March, Joe Kent, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, also resigned, saying he “could not in good conscience” support the war.During a congressional hearing in March, Gabbard drew attention for her carefully worded remarks, which did not fully support Trump’s decision to attack Iran.She repeatedly dodged questions about whether the White House had been warned about the potential consequences of a conflict, including Tehran effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz.In written remarks to the Senate Intelligence Committee, Gabbard said Iran had made no efforts to rebuild its nuclear capabilities after U.S. strikes last year “destroyed” Iran’s nuclear program.The statement appeared to contradict the president, who has repeatedly said the attack was necessary to prevent imminent threats from the Islamic Republic.