Why the anti-Ukrainian US director of National Intelligence is resigning and who may replace her

Support for lies about "biolabs" in Ukraine, a meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, ties to a religious cult – all of this, and more, is associated with Tulsi Gabbard.

She currently holds one of the key positions in the United States – Director of National Intelligence. Last week, she unexpectedly announced plans to resign.

The official reason is her husband’s serious illness. At the same time, insiders claim the real cause is her anti-war stance, which contradicts President Donald Trump’s policy towards Iran.

Read more about how the Director of National Intelligence was sidelined from planning the war in Iran and why the most controversial figure in Donald Trump’s second administration became so memorable in the article by European Pravda journalist Olha Kovalchuk: Trump replaces intelligence chief: why the controversial Tulsi Gabbard is leaving and who may replace her. 

Both Democrats and Republicans reacted with concern to Tulsi Gabbard’s appointment as head of US National Intelligence. The reason was her highly controversial statements, particularly regarding Russia and its aggression against Ukraine.

At the very beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Tulsi Gabbard promoted the Russian propaganda narrative about Moscow’s "security concerns" over NATO’s eastward expansion.

That same year, Gabbard also "justified" the existence of US-funded biological laboratories in Ukraine.

She repeatedly criticised military aid to Kyiv, called the Ukrainian government "corrupt", and described Ukraine itself as "not a democracy".

In addition, Gabbard accused the Biden administration of "sabotaging" peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, claiming that Washington’s goal was regime change in Russia. She also echoed Russia’s nuclear intimidation rhetoric, warning of a coming "nuclear Armageddon" because of the US administration’s stance on the war in Ukraine.

Her position on Syria under Bashar al-Assad also provoked outrage among American politicians.

Besides her tolerance towards dictators, Gabbard’s involvement with the Hawaiian religious organisation Science of Identity Foundation, often described as a cult, further fueled controversy around her.

The position held by Tulsi Gabbard is highly unusual. In fact, it exists only in the United States, where the intelligence community consists of 18 separate intelligence agencies.

The authority and influence of the Director of National Intelligence are enormous.

Throughout her political career, Gabbard, who served in Iraq in 2004-2005, consistently criticised US intervention abroad. These views did not change even after Donald Trump himself developed an appetite for military solutions.

Gabbard was unwilling to show flexibility, particularly regarding military action against Iran.

Trump’s dissatisfaction with Tulsi Gabbard reached its peak in spring 2026.

At that time, National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent announced his resignation in protest against the war in Iran. Although the center reports to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Gabbard did not condemn Kent’s decision.

This reportedly infuriated the White House. According to The Guardian, Trump then began consulting his team about the possible dismissal of the intelligence chief.

And on 22 May, Gabbard announced her resignation for personal reasons.

Tulsi Gabbard will remain in office until 30 June. After that, former CIA officer Aaron Lucas will serve as acting Director of National Intelligence.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the leading candidate for the position is currently CIA Deputy Director Michael Ellis, who in April 2022 called for increased military aid to Ukraine.

Another possible successor mentioned is New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.