Tulsi Gabbard Appointed Director Of National Intelligence By Donald Trump. Who Is She?

US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democrat and the first Hindu elected to the US Congress, as Director of National Intelligence for his second term.

Gabbard, a four-term Congresswoman and 2020 presidential candidate, is also a bestselling author. She has served in three war zones in the Middle East and Africa. Recently, she transitioned from being a Democrat to a Republican.

Photo Credit: PTI/AP

"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," Trump announced.

Gabbard's Political Journey

Gabbard began her political career at 21 when she was elected to the Hawaii State House of Representatives. After the 9/11 attacks, she joined the Army National Guard. In 2004, she paused her re-election campaign to serve in Iraq with the 29th Brigade Combat Team's medical unit.

Upon returning in 2006, Gabbard worked as a legislative aide in the US Senate for Senator Danny Akaka, who chaired the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. She later volunteered for another Middle East deployment as a platoon leader.

Congressional and Presidential Campaigns

Gabbard ran for Congress at 31, motivated by her experiences in war. She aimed to honour military sacrifices and won a challenging election. During her eight years in Congress, she served on the Armed Services, Homeland Security, and Foreign Affairs Committees. In 2020, she chose not to seek re-election and instead ran for president as a Democrat.

"As a former candidate for the Democratic 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!" Trump said.

Shift to Republican Party

In October 2022, Gabbard left the Democrat Party to become an Independent. Her book "For Love of Country: Leave the Democrat Party Behind" was released on April 30, 2024, reaching number four on the New York Times Bestsellers List soon after.

On August 26, 2024, Gabbard endorsed Trump for a second term and became co-chair of his transition team. By October 22, 2024, she officially joined the Republican Party due to Trump's leadership and his efforts to reshape it into "the party of the people and the party of peace," according to a media release.