Former Trump Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard became emotional Thursday while sharing an update on her husband Abraham Williams’ battle with an extremely rare form of bone cancer.
Gabbard posted a video on social media detailing Williams’ diagnosis, surgery and ongoing recovery, acknowledging that discussing the experience has been difficult.
“This has been a challenging time for us and is hard to talk about,” Gabbard wrote. She said the couple decided to make the video after receiving prayers, well wishes and questions about Williams’ condition.
Gabbard revealed that Williams was diagnosed earlier this year after receiving a call from his doctor.
“I picked up the phone and Abraham’s voice was different,” Gabbard recalled.
Williams told her that doctors had diagnosed him with sacral chordoma, which Gabbard described as a “very, very rare — one in a million — form of cancer.”
The couple was presented with two treatment options, according to Gabbard: radiation or a highly invasive operation that would involve removing the bottom of Williams’ sacrum and his tailbone.
They opted for surgery and scheduled the procedure as quickly as possible.
Gabbard said seeing her husband brought into the recovery room following the operation brought both relief and unexpected fear.
“I was so happy to see him when they wheeled him back into that recovery room, but it was also really scary, which I didn’t expect,” she said.
The surgery was successful, but Gabbard explained that Williams still faces a lengthy recovery process.
Nearly three months after beginning what she described as a “very rigorous physical therapy program,” Williams is making progress. Gabbard acknowledged that the recovery has sometimes been frustrating for her husband because he wants to improve more quickly.
“And sometimes he’s pushed a little too far, but overall Abraham is progressing very well,” she said.
Williams will also have to undergo frequent MRIs to ensure the cancer does not return.
Gabbard thanked God, the medical professionals who treated Williams and those who have offered support throughout the ordeal, concluding her message with, “Mahalo nui loa to you all.”
The emotional video ended with Gabbard beginning to tear up as Williams entered the shot and embraced his wife.
“I love you,” Williams whispered.
“I love you,” Gabbard responded.
Gabbard resigned as director of national intelligence in May amid speculation surrounding her future in the Trump administration.
In her resignation letter to President Donald Trump, Gabbard expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence for the previous year and a half.
She also directly cited her husband’s health in announcing her departure.
“Unfortunately, I must submit my resignation, effective June 30, 2026,” Gabbard wrote. “My husband, Abraham, has recently been diagnosed with an extremely rare form of bone cancer.”
