"I must submit my resignation, effective 30/6. My husband, Abraham, has been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. He will face significant challenges ahead. At this time, I need to step away from public service to be by his side and support him through this fight," US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard wrote on social media on 22/5.

She also posted a photo of her resignation letter addressed to President Donald Trump. In the letter, Director Gabbard thanked the president for his trust and for giving her the opportunity to lead the Office of the DNI for one and a half years.

President Trump later praised Gabbard for having "performed her duties exceptionally well." He added, "She is absolutely right to want to be by her husband's side, to help him through this difficult battle for his health."

The US leader announced that Deputy Director of National Intelligence Aaron Lukas will serve as acting director upon Gabbard's departure. Lukas is a former officer and analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), who previously served on the National Security Council during Trump's first term.

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testifies before the Senate on 19/3. Photo: AFP.

Tulsi Gabbard is the fourth high-ranking female official to leave President Trump's cabinet in recent months. The US president dismissed Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi in March and April, respectively. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer also resigned last month amid a series of scandals.

The White House dismissed reports suggesting Gabbard was forced to leave her position. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle stated that such speculation was "slanderous."

"This is entirely false. Her husband has been diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer," DNI Chief of Staff Alexa Henning wrote on X.

Representative Mark Warner, a top Democrat on the US Senate Intelligence Committee, stated on 22/5 that Gabbard's role had become overly politicized. He said, "This position needs an independent, experienced intelligence professional more than ever. The DNI should focus on foreign intelligence, not interfere in domestic election matters."

Nhu Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)