President Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, announced she is resigning from her position after her husband was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer.
Gabbard said her resignation will take effect on June 30. In a letter to Trump, she said her husband, Abraham Williams, “has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer.”
“At this time, I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle,” Gabbard wrote.
Gabbard thanked Trump for “the trust you placed in me” and said she was grateful for the opportunity to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence over the last year and a half.
Trump praised Gabbard following the announcement and said she had done “an incredible job.” He also expressed support for her family as they deal with Williams’ illness.
“Her wonderful husband, Abraham, has been recently diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, and she, rightfully, wants to be with him,” Trump said.
According to reports, Gabbard informed Trump of her decision during a meeting in the Oval Office on Friday. Aaron Lukas, Gabbard’s deputy, is expected to serve as acting director after her departure.
During her time leading the intelligence community, Gabbard pushed efforts to reduce the size of the agency and remove diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. She also worked on declassification efforts involving records connected to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr.
Breitbart reported that Gabbard also pursued investigations into election security issues and efforts tied to the declassification of intelligence-related court documents connected to surveillance authorities.
Gabbard said her husband had stood beside her through military deployments, political campaigns, and her government service.
“His strength and love have sustained me through every challenge,” she wrote. “I cannot in good conscience ask him to face this fight alone while I continue in this demanding and time-consuming position.”