The United States President-elect, Donald Trump, has named Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman and 2020 presidential candidate, as his pick for director of national intelligence.
The selection of Gabbard, now a Republican, continued Trump’s trend of filling key positions with loyal allies rather than seasoned professionals in the intelligence field.
In a statement announcing her appointment, Trump said, “As a former candidate for the Democrat’s Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both parties – she is now a proud Republican! I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community, championing our Constitutional Rights, and securing Peace through Strength. Tulsi will make us all proud!”
Gabbard, who served in the Army National Guard for over 20 years with deployments to Iraq and Kuwait, will assume the role with limited direct experience in the intelligence community. Her predecessor, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 after a long career in national security and intelligence positions. In contrast, Gabbard’s primary exposure to intelligence issues came during her time in Congress, including two years on the Homeland Security Committee.
Despite her ‘outsider’ status in the intelligence community, Gabbard has been a prominent surrogate for Trump, frequently drawing enthusiastic responses from crowds while campaigning on his behalf. Her appointment reflects Trump’s pattern of choosing agency heads who share his political views and have proven loyalty during his campaigns.
Gabbard’s military background and her recent switch to the Republican Party made her a unique figure in Trump’s orbit, with many of his supporters embracing her as a strong voice for the administration’s national security policies.
As director of national intelligence, she will oversee the U.S. intelligence community and provide the president with crucial information on global threats and security issues.
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