Former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard joins Trump’s team as Director of National Intelligence nominee, signaling a seismic shift in US intelligence leadership.
Things are about to get wild.
At a Glance
- President-elect Donald Trump nominates Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence
- Gabbard, a former Democrat, would oversee all 18 US intelligence agencies if confirmed
- Trump praises Gabbard’s commitment to constitutional rights and “peace through strength”
- Nomination reflects Trump’s focus on loyalty and combating “Deep State” corruption
- Gabbard’s non-interventionist stance aligns with Trump’s foreign policy vision
A Surprising Nomination Shakes Up Washington
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as his Director of National Intelligence – and the deep state is very worried about it.
The unexpected choice proves Trump’s commitment to reshaping the intelligence community and brings a non-interventionist voice to the forefront of national security discussions.
You think things won’t get very interesting with Tulsi in charge? Just watch.
Gabbard, who served four terms representing Hawaii in Congress, has undergone a remarkable political transformation. Once a rising star in the Democratic Party and a 2020 presidential candidate, she’s now poised to become a key figure in Trump’s administration. Her journey from Democrat to independent to Republican culminated in her endorsement of Trump and subsequent nomination to this crucial position.
Donald Trump picks Tulsi Gabbard as his director of national intelligence https://t.co/phpyVEiggU
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) November 14, 2024
A Mandate for Change
Trump’s selection of Gabbard reflects his interpretation of the election results as a clear mandate for change. If confirmed, Gabbard would oversee all 18 of the nation’s intelligence agencies, positioning her at the heart of Trump’s efforts to overhaul what he sees as entrenched bureaucracy and “Deep State” corruption.
“The American people delivered quite an incredible mandate for change in this election—with the popular vote and the electoral vote overwhelmingly saying: ‘Hey we want Donald Trump as president and we’ve had enough of the Harris-Biden regime,’” Gabbard said.
Gabbard’s military background, including over two decades of service in the Army National Guard and deployments to Iraq and Kuwait, adds weight to her credentials. As the first Hindu elected to the House of Representatives and a combat veteran, she brings a unique perspective to the role of DNI.
A Non-Interventionist Approach to Intelligence
Gabbard’s nomination signals a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy and intelligence priorities. Known for her criticism of interventionist policies, she has opposed actions such as the Obama administration’s intervention in Syria and has been vocal about her concerns regarding the Biden administration’s approach to global conflicts, particularly in Ukraine.
“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!” Trump said in a statement.
This alignment with Trump’s “America First” ideology and her willingness to challenge her former party’s foreign policy stances likely played a significant role in her nomination. Trump has praised Gabbard for prioritizing the country over party affiliation, a quality he seems to value highly in his administration picks.
Now the hard work happens…