JUNE 5, 2026
Tulsi Gabbard discloses husband's sacral chordoma diagnosis following seven-hour surgery and her DNI resignation
Outgoing Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard posted on X on Thursday that her husband, Abraham Williams, was diagnosed with a "very rare sacral chordoma" and underwent nearly seven hours of surgery, which she described as successful. Williams returned home to recover but Gabbard said he "had a rough night and is in a lot of pain." Gabbard had previously announced her resignation as DNI, effective June 30, citing her husband's cancer battle.
On Thursday, Gabbard publicly named the diagnosis for the first time in a post on X, writing that the surgery to remove bone and surrounding tissue lasted almost seven hours and was successful. She said Williams is "finally home resting" and thanked supporters for "an outpouring of prayers and kind messages."
Gabbard notified President Donald Trump of her resignation during an Oval Office meeting in mid-May. Her formal resignation letter, obtained by Fox News Digital, stated that Williams "faces major challenges in the coming weeks and months" and that she "cannot in good conscience ask him to face this fight alone" while serving in a demanding position. Trump responded on Truth Social, saying she "rightfully" wants to support her husband and that he has "no doubt he will soon be better than ever."
Trump announced Tuesday that Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte would serve as acting DNI following Gabbard's departure. Trump noted that during that period Pulte would remain Director of the FHFA and Chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.