Democrats and media commentators are under scrutiny for what some are calling an “inappropriate” reaction to Tulsi Gabbard’s decision to step down from her role as Director of National Intelligence. Her resignation follows the troubling news of her husband’s cancer diagnosis.
Tony Kinnett, a national correspondent for The Daily Signal, expressed his concerns about the way many have responded to Gabbard’s announcement during his appearance on “Fox & Friends Weekend.” He criticized what he described as an immediate shift to political discourse.
“The social media ecosystem, along with many analysts and pundits, seems to be driven by the urge to make the most provocative comments as soon as news breaks,” Kinnett remarked. He suggested that such reactions reveal “how appalling the character of many individuals can be.”
Gabbard is expected to serve until June 30, marking her final day in office. Fox News Digital has acquired her resignation letter, where she expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve. She also revealed her husband’s recent diagnosis with an extremely rare form of bone cancer, prompting her decision to resign.
Fox News Digital obtained her formal resignation letter in which she stated she is “deeply grateful” for the opportunity but noted that her husband, Abraham, “has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer.”
But some members of the media and Democratic Party criticized Gabbard following her decision to leave her post.
Guests on CNN took aim at Gabbard’s tenure, with former Deputy DNI Beth Sanner offering condolences before jabbing that her DNI title stood for “Do Not Invite.”
Democratic lawmakers offered similar sentiments. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., took to social media to say the resignation was her only positive contribution to the role.
“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,” Schiff wrote on X.
But Kinnett argued that the quick jump to politics on a deeply personal issue reflects what he described as a troubling shift in political commentary.
“The most principled thing you can do as a wife is to leave something behind, as a spouse in general, is to leave your career behind,” Kinnett said.
He added that the negative reaction reflected what he called a “lack of character” from critics.
Gabbard assumed office in February 2025 and is a US Army Reserve officer and combat veteran. She previously served in Congress for multiple terms as a Democrat before leaving the party to become an independent and later joining the Republican Party.
In her resignation letter, Gabbard noted that her husband has been her “rock” throughout their 11 years of marriage and during difficult deployments overseas.
She wrote that she “cannot in good conscience ask him to face this fight alone while I continue in this demanding and time-consuming position.”
President Trump responded to the resignation on Truth Social, writing that she “rightfully” wants to support her husband during a tough battle.
“I have no doubt he will soon be better than ever. Tulsi has done an incredible job, and we will miss her,” he wrote.