Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, a former CIA operative and Trump administration intelligence official, has resigned from two senior posts this week, citing family priorities and reportedly clashing with the president over military escalation in Iran.
A Key Ally of Gabbard Steps Down
Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, a close ally of Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, is leaving her roles at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), according to multiple sources familiar with her departure. The resignation, confirmed by five individuals, marks the latest high-profile exit from the Trump administration’s national security apparatus, following Joe Kent’s departure from the National Counterterrorism Center in March over the Iran conflict.
Kennedy, a daughter-in-law of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., had held influential positions in intelligence policy, budget oversight, and campaign management. Her resignation, announced this week, comes amid speculation that her departure is tied to disagreements with the administration’s stance on Iran. While Kennedy’s May 8 email to colleagues praised the Trump administration and cited family commitments as the primary reason for her departure, sources suggest her decision was influenced by broader policy disputes.
In her email, Kennedy wrote: 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.
The timing of her resignation, however, aligns with growing tensions within the administration over Iran policy, where Gabbard and other officials have publicly questioned the escalation of military operations.
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A Pattern of High-Level Resignations
Kennedy’s departure is the latest in a series of resignations from top national security roles in the Trump administration. In March, Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned after clashing with the president over the war in Iran. Kent’s resignation was framed as a protest against the administration’s handling of the conflict, signaling internal divisions over strategy and oversight.
Kennedy’s dual roles—one in intelligence policy and another in budget oversight—made her a central figure in shaping the administration’s approach to national security funding and priorities. Her exit raises questions about the stability of the administration’s intelligence apparatus, particularly as it grapples with high-stakes decisions in Iran and other global hotspots.
Her connection to Gabbard, a vocal critic of the administration’s Iran policy, adds another layer to her departure. Gabbard, who has faced her own political challenges, has been a key figure in pushing for a more cautious approach to military engagement in the region. Kennedy’s resignation could be seen as a further sign of dissent within the administration’s national security team.
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Family Ties and Political Connections
Kennedy’s resignation also underscores the intertwined nature of politics and family in the Trump administration. As the daughter-in-law of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent figure in the anti-vaccine and environmental movements, Kennedy’s career has been closely tied to high-profile political families. Her role as campaign manager for Dennis Kucinich in 2024 further cemented her place in the administration’s inner circle.
Her departure from the ODNI and OMB comes as the administration faces scrutiny over its handling of national security issues, particularly in relation to Iran. While Kennedy’s email to colleagues did not mention policy disagreements, the timing of her resignation—just days after Kent’s departure—suggests a broader trend of officials stepping back from roles they may no longer support.
Kennedy’s move to the private sector, as indicated in her email, signals a shift away from government service. However, her background in intelligence and campaign management positions her as a potential player in future political or policy roles, depending on the evolving dynamics of the Trump administration and the broader political landscape.
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What Comes Next?
The resignation of Amaryllis Fox Kennedy leaves unanswered questions about the future of the Trump administration’s national security strategy, particularly in relation to Iran. With Gabbard already a vocal critic of the current approach, her ally’s departure could further weaken the administration’s ability to maintain a unified front on critical issues.
For now, the focus remains on the immediate impact of Kennedy’s resignation. The ODNI and OMB will need to fill her roles quickly, but the process may be complicated by the ongoing disputes within the administration. Meanwhile, the broader implications of her departure—both for the administration’s Iran policy and its internal cohesion—will likely become clearer in the coming weeks.
One thing is certain: Kennedy’s exit is another sign of the turbulence within the Trump administration’s national security team. As the administration navigates its next steps, the resignations of key figures like Kennedy and Kent serve as a reminder of the challenges ahead.
