Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, the former CIA officer and daughter-in-law of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is stepping down from two high-profile intelligence posts in the Trump administration amid reports of internal friction over the war in Iran.
Fox Kennedy had been serving as Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Policy and Capabilities under Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard while also holding the role of Associate Director for Intelligence and International Affairs at the Office of Management and Budget.
The departure immediately fueled speculation that disagreements over President Donald Trump’s handling of the escalating conflict with Iran may have played a role in her decision. Multiple reports cited anonymous officials claiming tensions had been brewing inside the administration.
But Fox Kennedy publicly rejected the claims on Wednesday in a fiery social media post.
“The Washington Post – who swamp-cheered their way through the last two decades’ disastrous and violent wars – speculated yesterday that perhaps I’m rejoining the private sector due to disagreement with the President’s foreign policy,” she wrote. “Hogwash.”
“Make no mistake about it – I stand with the President EVERY STEP OF THE WAY,” she added. “Mr. President, God bless you, our Peacemaker in Chief.”
Fox Kennedy later said her decision was primarily driven by family considerations after spending years on the campaign trail and inside government.
“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,” she wrote in a message obtained by several outlets.
Tulsi Gabbard praised Fox Kennedy’s work in the administration and indicated she will continue serving on President Trump’s Intelligence Advisory Board even after leaving her day-to-day government positions.
Fox Kennedy became a prominent figure in conservative political circles during Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s 2024 presidential campaign, which she helped manage before RFK Jr. ultimately endorsed Trump.
Before entering politics, she built a national profile as a former undercover CIA officer focused on counterterrorism operations following the Sept. 11 attacks. She later authored the memoir “Life Undercover: Coming of Age in the CIA” and hosted Netflix’s “The Business of Drugs.”
Her exit comes during a turbulent stretch for the administration’s intelligence apparatus as the White House continues navigating the fallout from the ongoing Iran conflict. Former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent also reportedly left his post earlier this year amid disagreements tied to the war effort.
Despite the rumors surrounding her resignation, Fox Kennedy made clear she remains firmly aligned with Trump and his foreign policy agenda.
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