Democrats and media commentators are under fire for their “inappropriate” reactions to Tulsi Gabbard’s decision to step down as director of national intelligence, following the cancer diagnosis of her husband.
During an appearance on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” Tony Kinnett, a national correspondent for The Daily Signal, criticized the immediate political spin that ensued.
“The social media landscape, along with many analysts and commentators, seems fixated on making the most sensational comments as soon as news emerges,” Kinnett remarked, highlighting that these reactions expose “the unpleasant nature of many individuals’ characters.”
Gabbard is set to conclude her role as director of national intelligence on June 30.
Fox News Digital accessed her resignation letter, where she expressed being “deeply grateful” for her role, but shared that her husband, Abraham, “has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer.”
Despite this personal challenge, some media figures and members of the Democratic Party criticized Gabbard’s decision to resign from her position.
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 Gabbardâs 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.
