Tulsi Gabbard resigns as director of national intelligence

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced Friday that she is resigning from her role, after her husband was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer.

In a letter to President Donald Trump, that was shared on social media, Gabbard said she needs to be “by his side and fully support him through this battle.”

She wrote that she is stepping down as the nation’s top intelligence officer on June 30.

President Trump praised Gabbard in another social media post that was made after the announcement.

“Unfortunately, after having done a great job, Tulsi Gabbard will be leaving the Administration on June 30th” the president wrote. “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.:

Gabbard’s tenure had been rocky and controversial. She faced skepticism and intense questioning from congressional lawmakers during hearings and oversaw a significant downsizing at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

President Trump also hinted at the fact that Gabbard may have had differing views from him on the war in Iran.

“I’m very strong on the fact that I don’t want Iran to have a nuclear weapon, because if they had a nuclear weapon, they’d use it immediately. I think she’s probably a little bit softer on that issue, but that’s okay,” Trump said on March 29.

The president wrote that Gabbard’s top deputy, Aaron Lukas, will serve as acting director of national intelligence after Gabbard leaves her role at the end of June.