Schiff should’ve just remained silent.
Sen. Adam Schiff is drawing criticism after making sharp remarks about departing Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard following her announcement that she will step away from public service to support her husband during a serious health battle.
Gabbard confirmed Friday that she will officially resign from President Donald Trump’s administration effective June 30. In her statement, she explained that her husband is facing a rare form of bone cancer and said her focus must now shift fully toward her family.
While many political figures offered support and prayers, Schiff responded with strong criticism of Gabbard’s time leading the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
In a post on X, Schiff argued that Gabbard’s tenure damaged public trust in the intelligence community and accused her of placing politics ahead of national security priorities.
“She politicized intelligence,” Schiff wrote, while also criticizing her handling of election-related issues and internal agency changes during her time in office.
The California senator further stated that he hopes her leadership style does not become the standard for future administrations.
However, Schiff’s comments quickly sparked backlash from conservatives and Trump allies, many of whom argued the timing of the remarks was inappropriate given Gabbard’s family circumstances.
Mike Huckabee criticized Schiff’s statement and accused Democrats of turning a personal situation into a political attack. Several conservative commentators also defended Gabbard and praised her service in the Trump administration.
White House officials pushed back as well, with Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson reportedly condemning the remarks as unnecessarily harsh.
Conservative media personalities including Megyn Kelly and Rep. Nancy Mace also weighed in, saying political disagreements should not overshadow compassion during a family health crisis.
Gabbard’s tenure in the Trump administration frequently attracted national attention. Once considered a rising Democrat with anti-interventionist views, she later aligned herself more closely with Trump-era policies on national security, foreign affairs, and government reform.
She also made headlines over her criticism of intelligence officials connected to investigations surrounding the 2016 election and allegations involving Russian interference. Gabbard accused several high-profile Democrats, including Schiff and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, of promoting politically motivated narratives against Trump.
Supporters viewed Gabbard as someone willing to challenge the Washington establishment, while critics argued her actions blurred the line between intelligence work and partisan politics.
Now, as Gabbard prepares to leave office, the debate over her legacy — and Schiff’s response to her departure — is adding another chapter to the ongoing political divide in Washington.