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.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.”
