Tulsi Gabbard has announced her resignation from the position of Director of National Intelligence under Donald Trump’s administration. The 45-year-old Republican cited her decision to step down as a means of supporting her husband, Abraham Williams, who is facing a rare form of bone cancer.

Having previously contested in the Democratic presidential primaries against Joe Biden in 2020 before switching to the Republican party, Gabbard will become the fourth cabinet member to leave office during Trump’s second term. Her resignation will be effective on June 30, as per a letter posted on social media.

In response to Gabbard’s resignation, Trump praised her performance on his Truth Social platform and appointed her principal deputy, Aaron Lukas, to serve as the acting Director of National Intelligence.

In her resignation letter to Donald Trump, Gabbard expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and explained her departure was necessary due to her husband’s health condition. She acknowledged the progress made during her tenure and ensured a seamless transition for her successor.

Gabbard concluded her letter by thanking Trump and the American people for the privilege of serving as DNI.