President-elect Donald Trump selected former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Wednesday as his nominee for the Director of National Intelligence (DNI).
In a Wednesday statement released on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “I am pleased to announce that former Congresswoman, Lieutenant Colonel Tulsi Gabbard, will serve as Director of National Intelligence.”
“For over two decades, Tulsi has fought for our Country and the Freedoms of all Americans,” Trump added. “As a former Candidate for the Democrat 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!”
Wednesday’s statement also included an account of Gabbard’s most notable achievements. In addition to representing Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District from 2013 to 2021, Gabbard joined the Army National Guard after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The statement noted that the former Democrat was deployed to Iraq as part of the 29th Brigade Combat Team in 2004 and was later deployed to the Middle East a second time as a platoon leader.
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In 2022, Gabbard announced that she was leaving the Democratic Party. After endorsing Trump in August, she announced that she was officially joining the Republican Party in October.
Fox News reported that Gabbard currently remains a member of the U.S. Army Reserve. The outlet also noted that Gabbard was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel three years ago.
Following Trump’s nomination announcement on Wednesday, Gabbard tweeted, “Thank you, @realDonaldTrump, for the opportunity to serve as a member of your cabinet to defend the safety, security and freedom of the American people. I look forward to getting to work.”
If confirmed as the Director of National Intelligence, Gabbard will be responsible for advising the president on national security issues and managing the National Intelligence Program, according to Fox News.
Former independent 2024 presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. congratulated Gabbard in a Thursday post on social media, tweeting, “The perfect place for a courageous warrior of democracy and freedom. Congratulations @TulsiGabbard!”
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) also congratulated Gabbard in a post on X, formerly Twitter, and said that Gabbard’s record of military service and commitment to the Constitution “make her a strong choice for this critical role. Wishing her success in leading our intelligence community.”
