Tulsi Gabbard has resigned as Donald Trump's top intelligence chief following months of growing friction over the President's decision to launch a war against Iran. The former Democratic congresswoman turned Republican was appointed Director of National Intelligence in 2025, but her tenure has been marked by increasing tensions with the White House over foreign policy direction.
Resignation Confirmed
Sources close to the situation confirmed that Gabbard submitted her resignation on Thursday, citing irreconcilable differences over the administration's approach to Iran. The resignation comes amid reports that Trump was furious with his spy chief after she reportedly opposed military escalation in the Middle East.
Gabbard's departure is the latest in a series of high-profile exits from the Trump administration, as the President prepares for a potential re-election campaign. Her resignation letter, obtained by Daily Mail, stated that she could no longer serve in good conscience given the direction of national security policy.
Background and Reactions
Gabbard, 45, served as a U.S. Representative from Hawaii from 2013 to 2021 before leaving the Democratic Party and later joining the Trump administration. She was confirmed as DNI in 2025 after a contentious Senate hearing.
In a statement, Trump praised Gabbard's service but did not address the reasons for her departure. 'Tulsi is a patriot who served our country with distinction,' the President said. 'I wish her well in her future endeavors.'
Critics of the administration have seized on the resignation as evidence of dysfunction within the intelligence community. Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, called the resignation 'deeply troubling' and demanded a full briefing on the circumstances.
This is a developing story. More updates to follow.
