Lawmakers reacted to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s resignation along party lines, with Democrats celebrating her departure and Republicans thanking her for her service.
Gabbard announced Friday she is resigning from her position to support her husband after he was diagnosed with bone cancer. She told President Donald Trump during a meeting on Friday, along with submitting a formal resignation letter. Her last day is expected to be June 30.
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Throughout her time in the position, Gabbard has been riddled with controversy. At times, her messaging on issues has been at odds with others within the Trump administration.
Gabbard is the latest member of the Cabinet to depart, following the recent oustings of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Democrats celebrated the departures, taking to social media to criticize the Cabinet member who was leaving the administration.
But, because of the circumstances around Gabbard’s departure, some Democrats had a softer tone when reacting to the news. Many Democrats began their statements by offering Gabbard “thoughts and prayers” before moving on to condemn her leadership.
“While the circumstances around her departure are deserving of our sympathy, let’s be clear: Tulsi Gabbard’s only positive contribution to our nation’s national security is her resignation,” Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) wrote on X. “She politicized intelligence. She dismantled critical agencies keeping Americans safe. She weaponized the IC to pursue baseless election fraud claims. And more.”
“Anyone who has watched a loved one go through a serious illness understands the toll it takes, and I wish him strength and hope for a full recovery in the difficult days ahead. I also appreciate her willingness to serve her country in a variety of different roles,” Sen. Mark Warner (D-MD) said on X.
“The next DNI must be committed to restoring trust in the office, protecting the integrity of our intelligence, and ensuring our nation’s intelligence professionals can speak truth to power, without fear or interference,” he continued.
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Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) stated that Democrats would push back on “any nominee” the Trump administration puts forth to replace Gabbard.
“My thoughts are with the Gabbard family as they face this difficult diagnosis, and I wish them strength in the days ahead,” he said in a post on X. “But let’s be clear: Donald Trump must not treat this vacancy as another opportunity to reward loyalty over competence. The DNI’s job is to protect the American people with facts, judgment, and independence — not to launder conspiracy theories or tell the President what he wants to hear.”
Other Democrats solely slammed Gabbard and celebrated her resignation, with Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI) saying, “good riddance.”
“The Iran war has been the biggest display of intelligence incompetence in decades,” Thanedar said on X.
Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA) echoed the sentiment, poking fun at Gabbard’s resignation, saying, “mark it on a bingo card.”
“At this point the Trump Administration hiring process looks like: pick someone loud, promote them fast, watch them implode, repeat. National security shouldn’t be a revolving door of political fan fiction,” Torres wrote on X.
Gabbard received an outpouring of appreciation and gratitude for her service from Republicans.
“I thank my friend, Tulsi Gabbard, for her service as the Director of National Intelligence, and respect her decision to step away from public service to support her husband, Abraham, as he battles bone cancer,” Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO) posted on X.
“I thank Tulsi Gabbard for her service in this administration and in uniform, and I wish her the very best as she supports her husband Abe in his battle with cancer. Please join me in sending them prayers for a full and fast recovery,” Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AK) wrote on X.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Tulsi Gabbard and her entire family as she supports her husband through his cancer diagnosis,” Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) said on X. “Wishing them strength and healing during this time.”
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House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) said in a post on X Gabbard “has never been afraid to serve.”
“But right now, the most important place she can be is beside her husband,” she said. “Please join me in praying for Tulsi, Abraham, and their family as he battles a rare form of bone cancer. Wishing them strength, healing, and peace.”
“Thank you, Tulsi, for your commitment to this country and your family. Tulsi should be credited with delivering on many previously withheld documents pertaining to MLK, RFK, JFK, and UAPs at the direction of POTUS, and her contributions to this country should not be overlooked,” Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) said on X.
