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Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic member of Congress and presidential candidate, has been chosen for the post of Director of National Intelligence (DNI) by the President-elect Donald Trump.
As director of national intelligence, Gabbard would play a key role in helping shape Trump’s international playbook. She has been a critic of President Biden’s role in the ongoing conflicts around the world.
“As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties – She is now a proud Republican!” Trump said in a statement. “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!”
Who is Tulsi Gabbard?
Gabbard has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, including deployment in Iraq and Kuwait. She will replace Avril Haines, the current director, who was confirmed by the Senate in 2021.
Tulsi Gabbard is frequently misidentified as having Indian ancestry due to her first name, however, she has no direct ties to India. After converting to Hinduism, Gabbard’s mother gave her children Hindu names, and she herself identifies as a Hindu. Gabbard, who is of American Samoan descent, made history when she took oath on the Bhagavad Gita as a first Hindu member of US Congress.
Apart from serving on House committees, such as the Homeland Security Committee for two years, Gabbard has not held any direct positions in the intelligence establishment. She has been one of Trump’s most well-liked political surrogates, frequently receiving roaring applause from crowds during Trump presidential campaign.
In 2020, Gabbard ran in Democratic primary to secure the presidential nomination. However, she dropped from the race after failing to win any delegates in the earlier caucus results. She eventually left the party in 2022, claiming it is controlled by an “elitist cabal of warmongers”.
