Tulsi Gabbard, Director of US National Intelligence [AFP Yonhap News File Photo]

Tulsi Gabbard, Director of US National Intelligence (DNI), has tendered her resignation, Fox News reported on the 22nd (local time).

Gabbard reportedly met with President Donald Trump at the White House on the same day and conveyed her resignation.

According to the resignation letter obtained by Fox News, Gabbard stated her intention to step down to care for her husband, who has been diagnosed with bone cancer.

In her resignation letter, she said, "My husband, Abraham, was recently diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer. I must now step down from public service to be by his side and provide him with my full support as he navigates this challenging time."

She further announced that she would be stepping down from public service effective the 30th of next month.

While Gabbard officially cited family care as the reason for her resignation, some speculate that pressure from the White House may have played a role.

With three cabinet secretaries—Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and Labor Secretary Alex Acosta—having resigned this year, there have been interpretations that President Trump is actively initiating dismissals ahead of the upcoming November midterm elections.