Iran praises Tulsi Gabbard for speaking ‘truths Trump hated’ after resignation

Tulsi Gabbard’s resignation reignited scrutiny over her clashes with Donald Trump on Iran policy
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testified during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats on Capitol Hill in Washington (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testified during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats on Capitol Hill in Washington (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

WASHINGTON, DC: Iranian officials have praised former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard following her resignation from the Trump administration, pointing to her past remarks on Iran and claiming she spoke “truths Trump hated.”

The comments came shortly after Gabbard announced she would step down from her role, citing her husband Abraham Williams’ diagnosis with a rare form of bone cancer. In her resignation letter, Gabbard said she felt it was necessary to remain by his side during treatment.

Iranian reactions highlight Tulsi Gabbard’s past Iran stance

Iranian media and affiliated commentary framed Gabbard as a rare senior US figure willing to push back against hawkish narratives on Tehran during heightened tensions in the Middle East.



The Iranian Embassy in Armenia also praised Gabbard’s past remarks, saying, “We wish Abraham a swift and complete recovery. You have previously shown at times that you work for America and not Israel, and sometimes you spoke truths about Iran that Trump hated.”

“It was a pity that someone like you worked with this government, which has sidelined America and is a proxy for Israel. Best wishes.”

The statement drew attention for its unusually direct praise of a former senior US intelligence official and its criticism of US foreign policy direction under the Trump administration. 

U.S. Director Of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard departs following a closed door meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacanang Palace on June 02, 2025 in Manila, Philippines. Gabbard is in the Philippines after attending the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard departed after a closed-door meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr at Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines (Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)

Resignation sparks discussion over Trump administration tensions

While Gabbard cited family reasons for her departure, her exit has also renewed discussion about internal disagreements within the administration, particularly around Iran policy and intelligence assessments.

President Donald Trump confirmed her resignation, noting her husband’s medical condition and announcing that Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Aaron Lukas would serve as acting director.



In a statement, Trump said, “Unfortunately, after having done a great job, Tulsi Gabbard will be leaving the Administration on June 30th. Her wonderful husband, Abraham, has been recently diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer, and she, rightfully, wants to be with him, bringing him back to good health as they currently fight a tough battle together.”

Gabbard also shared her resignation letter publicly, stating that she feels it is imperative to focus on supporting her husband during his treatment.

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