Donald Trump Names Aaron Lukas Acting Intelligence Chief Following Gabbard Exit

US President Donald Trump has announced that Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard will resign from her post on June 30 after her husband, Abraham Williams, was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. Trump said Principal Deputy DNI Aaron Lukas will take over as acting intelligence chief, as tributes poured in from administration officials and political leaders acknowledging Gabbard’s service and decision to prioritise family during a personal crisis.

Trump confirmed Gabbard’s departure in a statement, praising her tenure while expressing support for her family during what he described as a difficult period.

“Unfortunately, after having done a great job, Tulsi Gabbard will be leaving the Administration on June 30th. 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. I have no doubt he will soon be better than ever. Tulsi has done an incredible job, and we will miss her. Her highly respected Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, Aaron Lukas, will serve as Acting Director of National Intelligence. President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he said.

Gabbard shared her resignation letter on social media, saying it was imperative for her to remain by her husband’s side throughout his treatment.

She wrote, “At this time, I must step away from public service to be by his side and fully support him through this battle.”

Gabbard also thanked Trump for the opportunity to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence over the past year and a half.

“Thank you for your understanding during this deeply personal and difficult time for our family,” she wrote.

According to reports, Gabbard informed Trump of her decision during a meeting in the Oval Office on Friday, with her resignation set to take effect on June 30.

Who will replace Gabbard and how are leaders reacting?

Trump announced that Principal Deputy DNI Aaron Lukas would assume the role of acting Director of National Intelligence following Gabbard’s departure.

US Vice President JD Vance praised Gabbard and called her “a patriot” in a post on X.

“I'm sorry to see her go, but certainly understand that family comes first. She and her husband Abraham will be in my prayers as they face this next challenge together, and she has my gratitude for being a great addition to the administration and a loyal confidante. Godspeed Tulsi!” he wrote.

US Senator Lindsey Graham also appreciated her service and said he would be praying for her and her family.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche thanked Gabbard for her sacrifices for the country, while Turning Point CEO Erika Kirk said she hoped divine peace would surround the former intelligence chief.

However, California Senator Adam Schiff criticised Gabbard’s tenure, alleging that she had politicised intelligence operations and dismantled agencies responsible for protecting Americans.

What defined Tulsi Gabbard’s tenure as DNI?

During her tenure as DNI, Gabbard pursued major restructuring efforts across the US intelligence community. Her office reduced the size of the agency and dismantled diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes within the intelligence apparatus.

She also oversaw the declassification of more than half a million pages of government records linked to the Trump-Russia investigation and the assassinations of former President John F Kennedy and Senator Robert F Kennedy.

According to reports, Gabbard established a “Weaponisation Working Group” aimed at coordinating efforts across federal agencies regarding alleged misuse of government institutions during the Biden administration.

Under her leadership, the National Counterterrorism Centre reportedly prevented more than 10,000 individuals with alleged links to narco-terrorism from entering the United States in 2025 and added over 85,000 individuals to the terror watchlist.

(With inputs from ANI)