President-elect Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Tulsi Gabbard, former Democrat and the first Hindu Congresswoman, will serve as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in his upcoming administration.
Gabbard, a four-term Congresswoman, former presidential candidate, and bestselling author, is a decorated military veteran who has completed three deployments in the Middle East and Africa. She recently transitioned from the Democratic to the Republican Party.”I am proud to announce that former Congresswoman and Lieutenant Colonel Tulsi Gabbard will take on the role of DNI,” Trump said. “For more than two decades, Tulsi has shown an unwavering commitment to protecting our country and upholding the liberties of all Americans.”
“As a former Democratic presidential candidate with bipartisan support, Tulsi brings a unique perspective. Now, as a proud Republican, I am confident she will carry her bold spirit into the Intelligence Community, advocating for Constitutional rights and promoting peace through strength. She will make us all proud,” Trump added.
Gabbard’s political journey started at 21, when she was elected to the Hawaii State House. Following 9/11, she joined the Army National Guard, and in 2004, she chose to give up her re-election to serve in Iraq, where she worked in a medical unit with the 29th Brigade Combat Team. After her return, she served as a legislative aide to Senator Daniel Akaka and later volunteered for another Middle East deployment as a platoon leader.
Inspired by her experiences, Gabbard ran for Congress at age 31, pledging to honor the sacrifices of her fellow soldiers. She won a challenging race and spent eight years in the House, serving on the Armed Services, Homeland Security, and Foreign Affairs Committees. After deciding not to run for re-election in 2020, she launched a presidential bid as a Democrat.
