President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic member of Congress and presidential candidate, to serve as director of national intelligence, continuing to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities complimentary to his own, rather than long-term professionals in their requisite fields.
“As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties - She is now a proud Republican!” Trump said in a statement. “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!”
Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider, compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions.
Gabbard hasn’t worked directly in the intelligence community, outside of House committees, including two years on the Homeland Security Committee. Like others Trump has selected for his agency leadership, she has been among his most popular political surrogates, often drawing thunderous responses from crowds as she stumped for him in the campaign’s closing months.
In August, she endorsed Trump, began working as a co-chair for his transition team and helped him prepare for his debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, NBC News reported. Last month she formally announced last month that she would join the Republican Party.
Gabbard previously ran for the Democratic nomination during the 2020 presidential race, ending her presidential campaign in March 2020 to endorse Joe Biden.
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Gabbard has been widely criticized for her meeting in 2017 with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who had been accused of human rights violations and war crimes. She defended the meeting, telling MSNBC at the time, “We’ve got to be able to be willing to meet with whoever we need to if there is a possibility and a chance that that can help us take steps forward towards peace."
In 2019, Gabbard was one of the only House Democrats not to vote for Trump's first impeachment on charges that he abused power and obstructed Congress.
Gabbard has also criticized the House Jan. 6 committee, arguing that the panel's first public hearing in June 2022 about its investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack was centered on achieving "political interests."
