Tulsi Gabbard, a military veteran and former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, has been appointed by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as his Director of National Intelligence.
Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party in 2022 after running for the 2020 presidential nomination, had previously aligned herself with Trump’s campaign. She notably advised him during his preparation for debates, particularly with Vice President Kamala Harris, whom Gabbard had debated during the Democratic primaries.
Trump praised Gabbard’s long service, saying, “For over two decades, Tulsi has fought for our country and the freedoms of all Americans… She is now a proud Republican!” He added that Gabbard has broad support across party lines. Her appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. Prior to the announcement, Gabbard expressed that she would consider it an “honor” to serve in a Trump administration while awaiting the final decisions on his cabinet selections.
Gabbard said she was grateful for the chance to “defend the safety, security and freedom of the American people” as a member of Trump’s Cabinet.
“I look forward to getting to work,” she added.
In August, Tulsi Gabbard endorsed Donald Trump, began co-chairing his transition team, and assisted in preparing him for his only debate against Vice President Kamala Harris. The following month, she formally switched to the Republican Party.
Previously, Gabbard ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, ending her campaign in March to endorse Joe Biden. She also served in the U.S. House from 2013 to 2021 and was vice chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee from 2013 to 2016. A lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve, she served with the Hawaii Army National Guard and was deployed to Iraq with a medical unit.
If confirmed, Gabbard would be the first person of color to hold the role of Director of National Intelligence, a position created by President George W. Bush. However, her appointment would be notable given her lack of experience in the intelligence field or with congressional intelligence committees.
Gabbard and her controversies.
- Gabbard has been criticized for her 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a leader accused of human rights violations, defending the meeting by stating it was essential for peace talks.
- In 2019, she was one of the few House Democrats to oppose Trump’s first impeachment. Gabbard has also expressed strong criticism of the House Jan. 6 committee, arguing its investigation into the Capitol attack was politically motivated.
- She further accused the Biden-Harris administration of politically persecuting Trump following his conviction in a New York trial.
- Gabbard’s public comments have often contradicted the U.S. intelligence community’s findings, especially on issues related to Russian influence and disinformation.
- Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer, voiced strong opposition to Gabbard’s potential nomination, describing her as unqualified and claiming she has promoted conspiracy theories.
- Spanberger referenced Gabbard’s 2022 remarks regarding unverified Russian allegations about U.S. biological labs in Ukraine, which have been debunked by multiple governments and independent sources.
Gabbard’s potential appointment as Director of National Intelligence has sparked considerable debate, particularly due to her controversial past and lack of intelligence experience. Critics, including prominent figures like Rep. Abigail Spanberger, argue that her promotion of conspiracy theories and her alignment with authoritarian figures could undermine U.S. national security.
While Gabbard has garnered support from some Republicans for her stance on various issues, her appointment would likely face significant scrutiny, both in the Senate confirmation process and within the broader intelligence community. As the confirmation process unfolds, her record and positions will continue to be a focal point of discussion regarding the future of U.S. intelligence leadership.