President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that he is appointing former U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard—the ex-Democrat from Hawaii—as his director of national intelligence (DNI).
Gabbard is among the latest of Trump's selections to key positions following his victory in the presidential race against Vice President Kamala Harris last week, when he swept the battleground states and secured 312 Electoral College votes.
"For over two decades, Tulsi has fought for our Country and the Freedoms of all Americans. As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties," Trump wrote in a statement announcing Gabbard as his pick.
"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!" Trump added.
Tulsi Gabbard's Political Stance
Gabbard entered national politics as a Democrat in 2012, winning an election to represent Hawaii in Congress. She would serve in the House of Representatives until 2021 and became known for embracing anti-war positions on foreign policy. During her tenure, she joined the Congressional Progressive Caucus and served three years as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
She endorsed Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign, building her support among more progressive Democrats who agreed with her on foreign policy. She unsuccessfully ran in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, eventually endorsing President Joe Biden.
After leaving office, however, Gabbard became increasingly critical of the Democratic Party, officially leaving it in 2022. In a statement at the time, she said the party was controlled by an "elitist cabal of warmongers."
Gabbard officially became a Republican last month. "To those of you here or those watching at home who are independent-minded people like myself, who love our country and are committed to the Constitution and to freedom, the Democratic Party has no home for people like us," Gabbard said while announcing her new party. "But we do have a home in the Republican Party where we are welcomed with open arms by President Trump."
What Has Tulsi Gabbard Said About Bashar al-Assad?
When serving in the House of Representatives, Gabbard faced scrutiny for her comments about Syrian President Bashar al-Assad after she met with him during a 2017 "fact-finding" mission in Syria.
In 2019, she told MSNBC that she does not believe Assad is an enemy of the U.S. She advocated against U.S. intervention in Syria, arguing it does not threaten national security.
"Assad is not the enemy of the United States, because Syria does not pose a direct threat to the United States," she said. "My point is that whether it is Syria or any of these other countries, we need to look at how their interests are counter to or aligned with ours."
Gabbard has also described Assad as a "brutal dictator."
DNI Meaning: What Are the Duties of the Director of National Intelligence?
The director of national intelligence is tasked with overseeing the intelligence community and the implementation of the National Intelligence Program budget, according to the agency.
If confirmed to the position, Gabbard would also serve as a key adviser to Trump, the National Security Council and Homeland Security Council on matters related to national security.
"Working together with the Principal Deputy DNI and with the assistance of Mission Managers and Deputy Directors, the Office of the DNI's goal is to effectively integrate foreign, military and domestic intelligence in defense of the homeland and of United States interests abroad," the office's website reads.
Trump's Cabinet Picks
The president-elect has announced a number of key appointments since his victory.
Trump announced Wednesday that he would appoint U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida as his attorney general and U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, also of Florida, as secretary of state.
He plans to appoint South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Representative Michael Waltz of Florida as national security adviser; U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik of New York as United Nations ambassador; former U.S. Representative Lee Zeldin of New York to lead the Environmental Protection Agency; and Fox News host Pete Hegseth to head the Department of Defense.
The president-elect has also named Susie Wiles, senior adviser to his campaign, as his chief of staff and Stephen Miller as deputy chief of staff for policy, two positions that do not require confirmation by the Senate.
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