Trump chooses Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as the new director of national intelligence.

Gabbard, a former US military service member who was deployed to Iraq, represented Hawaii as a Democratic congresswoman for four terms. She also ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 but left the party in 2022 and declared her support for Trump.

In a statement about her new role in his administration, Trump commended Gabbard for her efforts to defend "our nation and the rights of every American."

"Having previously run for the Democratic Presidential Nomination, she enjoys significant backing from members of both parties – she's now a committed Republican!" Trump stated. "I am confident that Tulsi will apply the bold determination that has marked her impressive career to our Intelligence Community, advocating for our Constitutional Rights and promoting security through strength."

"Tulsi is sure to make us all proud!" he said.

This announcement follows Gabbard's recent statement expressing her willingness to serve in the Trump administration, saying she would be "honored" to do so.

"Is there anything I can do to help stop world war three and nuclear conflict? Absolutely," Gabbard stated while on NewsNation. "However, ultimately, it’s up to President Trump to make that decision."

In August of this year, Gabbard publicly showed her support for Trump’s presidential campaign during a speech at the National Guard Association conference in Detroit. She expressed concerns about the Biden administration, stating that it has put the country in a position where we are dealing with several conflicts in different parts of the globe and are closer to the possibility of nuclear war than we have ever been.

"This is a key reason why I am dedicated to every effort to help President Trump return to the White House, where he can lead us once more as our commander-in-chief," she stated. "I truly believe that his first priority will be to steer us away from the edge of conflict."

Gabbard was mentioned as a possible running mate for Trump, and there were reports this summer stating that she assisted him in getting ready for his presidential debate with Kamala Harris in September.

In late August, Gabbard hosted a campaign event for Trump alongside the former president in La Crosse, Wisconsin.