President Donald Trump announced Friday that Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence Aaron Lukas will serve as acting director of the agency [1].

The leadership change at the top of the U.S. intelligence community follows the sudden resignation of Tulsi Gabbard, who oversaw the nation's intelligence apparatus.

Gabbard announced her departure on X, formerly known as Twitter, and said she is resigning to attend to her husband’s battle with bone cancer [2]. President Trump responded to the news on his Truth Social account, where he named Lukas to the acting position [3].

Lukas brings significant tenure to the role. He has spent more than 20 years in the intelligence community [4].

"Aaron Lukas is highly respected," Trump said [5].

The transition occurs on May 22, 2026 [2]. While the president has not yet named a permanent successor, Lukas's appointment as acting director ensures continuity in the coordination of U.S. intelligence agencies during this period of leadership transition.

“"Aaron Lukas is highly respected."”

The appointment of a career intelligence professional like Aaron Lukas suggests a preference for stability within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) following a high-profile departure. By selecting the Principal Deputy Director, the administration maintains operational continuity while the personal crisis facing Tulsi Gabbard removes a key political appointee from the intelligence hierarchy.