Washington: President-elect Donald Trump has selected former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) for his upcoming administration, according to media reports.
Trump praised Gabbard, calling her a “proud Republican” despite her past as a Democrat and her endorsement of Trump in the 2024 election. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement, adding that she would “champion our Constitutional Rights and secure peace through strength.”
Gabbard, 43, is a former U.S. Army Reserve officer and served as a congresswoman for Hawaii’s second district from 2013 to 2021. She was the first Samoan-American member of Congress and the youngest woman ever elected to Hawaii’s state legislature. Gabbard ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 but left the party in 2022, citing her opposition to the Democrats’ stance on military intervention and foreign policy, calling them an “elitist cabal of warmongers.”
Known for her outspoken views on issues like war, terrorism, and U.S. foreign policy, Gabbard has increasingly aligned with conservative positions, particularly on abortion, border security, and transgender rights.
She has also appeared frequently on Fox News as a political commentator. Gabbard is the first Hindu elected to Congress and has been vocal about human rights issues, particularly the persecution of Hindus in South Asia.