Intelligence official resigns from two posts over Iran conflict

Amaryllis Fox Kennedy is stepping down this week from two senior intelligence and budget posts. She holds the titles of Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Policy and Capabilities and Associate Director for Intelligence and International Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget.

Kennedy also serves on the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board and plans to keep that position. Five people familiar with the matter confirmed the move, according to reporting by The Washington Post.

Departure details In a May 8 email reviewed by The Washington Post, Kennedy told colleagues she would leave her two main roles this coming Friday. She wrote that she wanted to return to the private sector and focus on family needs.

“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.”

Kennedy made no reference to the Iran conflict in the email. One person familiar with the matter said her decision involved, at least in part, disagreement with the administration’s military involvement there.

Background and prior departures Kennedy previously managed her father-in-law’s 2024 presidential campaign before he endorsed the current administration. She worked at the CIA from 2002 to 2010, focusing on preventing terror groups from obtaining weapons of mass destruction.

The departure follows the March resignation of National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent, who cited the same conflict in his public statement. Officials have not announced a replacement for Kennedy’s two posts. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard praised Kennedy’s service, saying the official had aligned intelligence agencies with administration goals.