US President-elect Donald Trump Appoints Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence
New York, November 14, 2024:
In a landmark move, US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, now a Republican and ardent supporter, as the new Director of National Intelligence. The appointment marks the first time a Hindu American will hold this role. Trump praised Gabbard's "fearless spirit" and commitment to "peace through strength," emphasizing her potential to reshape U.S. intelligence policies. Gabbard, a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve with combat experience in Iraq, has long been a critic of mainstream U.S. foreign policy, consistently challenging established views on military interventions.
In his official announcement, Trump acknowledged Gabbard's shift from the Democratic to the Republican Party, attributing her transition to his influence in returning the party to “the people” and advocating for "peaceful diplomacy." Roger Stone, a long-time Trump associate, initially shared the news on his X account, posting what he claimed was Trump’s direct statement on Gabbard’s appointment.
As the Director of National Intelligence, Gabbard will oversee 18 intelligence organizations and be responsible for delivering the President’s Daily Brief, a crucial intelligence summary that shapes presidential decision-making. Her lack of senior government experience, a departure from her predecessors, will be balanced by her service on the House Homeland Security Committee and her extensive military background.
Trailblazer and Political Maverick
Gabbard, 43, was born in American Samoa and raised in Hawaii, where she began her political career at 21. She is celebrated as the first Hindu and American Samoan elected to Congress. During her four terms, she rose to national prominence by backing progressive causes, notably supporting Senator Bernie Sanders in 2016, which solidified her as an independent voice within the Democratic Party.
Her military career has spanned more than 20 years, including deployments to Iraq and Kuwait, earning her a Combat Medical Badge during Operation Iraqi Freedom III. This experience underpins her unique perspective on U.S. foreign policy, which she promoted during her 2020 Democratic presidential run. Although she ultimately supported President Joe Biden in 2020, she later criticized the Democratic Party for what she described as an elitist shift, and she formally switched parties in 2023.
Influence and Role in Trump’s Circle
Gabbard’s recent endorsement of Trump elevated her profile among his supporters, bolstering his claims of cross-party appeal. She has appeared at rallies with figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., signifying Trump’s strategy to reach across party lines. Her close involvement in Trump’s transition team and her Republican Party membership announcement at a North Carolina rally have further cemented her role as a prominent figure in Trump’s inner circle.
Gabbard’s appointment aligns with Trump’s vision to populate key positions with foreign policy skeptics, potentially steering intelligence agencies away from traditional interventionist stances. Her leadership marks a significant shift in U.S. intelligence direction as Trump prepares to reshape American foreign policy from within.
Here is the full text of the Press Release of Trump:
TRUMP VANCE
TRANSITION
- November 13, 2024-
STATEMENT FROM PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP
I am pleased to announce that former Congresswoman, Lieutenant Colonel Tulsi Gabbard, will serve as Director of National Intelligence (DNI). For over two decades, Tulsi has fought for our Country and the Freedoms of all Americans. As a former Candidate for the Democrat 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!
Tulsi Gabbard Biography:
4-Term Congresswoman, 2020 presidential candidate, and NYT Bestselling Author Tulsi Gabbard is a veteran with three deployments to war zones in the Middle East and Africa. She has served in uniform for more than two decades, is currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve serving as Battalion Commander of the 1/354 Regiment in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and leads her non-profit organization, "We Must Protect."
Tulsi first served in elected office in the Hawaii State House of Representatives. when she was 21 years old. Due to the attacks on 9/11, she enlisted in the Army National Guard. In 2004, she gave up an easy re-election campaign and volunteered to deploy to Iraq with the 29th Brigade Combat Team where she served in a medical unit.
After returning home in 2006, Tulsi worked in the U.S. Senate as a legislative aide to the late Senator Danny Akaka, who was Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. She then volunteered for a second Middle East deployment as a Platoon Leader.
Having experienced firsthand the true cost of war, Tulsi ran for United States Congress at age 31, vowing to honor the lives and sacrifice of her brothers and sisters in uniform. She prevailed in a difficult election and went on to serve in Congress for eight years as a member of the Armed Services, Homeland Security, and Foreign Affairs Committees. Foregoing a run for reelection to Congress in 2020, she ran for president as a Democrat.
In October 2022, Tulsi announced she was leaving the Democrat Party, becoming an Independent. She puts country before party and approaches every issue, domestic and foreign, based on ensuring the safety, security, and freedom of the American people.
Tulsi Gabbard's first book For Love of Country: Leave the Democrat Party Behind was released on April 30, 2024 and hit #4 on the New York Times' Bestsellers List the following week.
On August 26, 2024, Tulsi formally endorsed President Trump for a second term
and soon after began serving as co-chair of his transition team. On October 22,
2024, LTC Tulsi Gabbard joined the Republican Party because of President
Trump's leadership and how he has been able to transform the Republican Party,
bringing it back to the party of the people and the party of peace