Full Breakdown
Amaryllis Fox Kennedy Resigns from Two Senior Trump Administration Intelligence Posts
5/22/2026, 2:58:03 AM
Resignation Details
Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, a Trump administration intelligence official, will leave two posts this week: deputy to DNI Tulsi Gabbard at ODNI and associate director at the OMB overseeing classified intelligence budgets. She also serves on the Intelligence Advisory Board and hopes to keep it. Her last day is Friday.
Background & Context
Kennedy, a former CIA undercover officer and daughter-in-law of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., held three posts—ODNI deputy, OMB associate director, and member of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board. She worked with DNI Tulsi Gabbard and board chair Devin Nunes. A 2024 bid to become CIA deputy director was blocked by Republican senators.
Data & Statistics
Kennedy helped draft a proposal to raise the ODNI budget request by roughly 20 percent, still pending congressional approval. She also led declassification of files on the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., overseeing a surprise ODNI transfer to the National Archives.
Official Statements & Responses
DNI Tulsi Gabbard praised Kennedy’s leadership and service. The White House declined comment, and Kennedy did not respond to interview requests. Devin Nunes said she may stay on the Intelligence Advisory Board, which advises the president on spy-program legality.
Criticism & Opposition
Sources say Kennedy, a former critic, struggled in the Trump administration’s “competitive and backbiting” environment. She publicly opposed a war with Iran in a February 2024 interview, while the administration later struck Iran in 2025. CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s team holds greater influence over Trump’s security decisions, limiting Kennedy’s impact.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source links Kennedy’s exit to disagreement with Trump’s Iran war; her resignation email cites family reasons and praises Trump, omitting policy references. No official explanation has been given, and Congress has not yet acted on the proposed 20 percent ODNI budget increase, leaving the budget impact uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Being a mom is God’s greatest gift, and after two years on the campaign trail and a year serving in this extraordinary Administration, I have to make sure my family has all it needs,” — Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, resignation email
- “We are grateful to Amaryllis Fox Kennedy for her leadership and exceptional service,” — Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence
- “Under her leadership, we successfully aligned the Intelligence Community agencies with the Administration’s and ODNI’s goals, driving a unified approach to our mission.” — Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence
- “to put the Leviathan on the chain.” — Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, former CIA officer
What’s Next
Kennedy’s departure opens the ODNI deputy role and OMB intelligence-budget oversight. Congress will review the 20 percent ODNI budget request in the upcoming appropriations cycle. If she stays on the Intelligence Advisory Board, Kennedy may continue advising the president on spy-program legality and effectiveness.
