North News
New Delhi, November 14
US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), a move that marks her as the first Hindu Congresswoman to lead US intelligence agencies. Gabbard will also serve as Trump’s intelligence advisor. Trump shared the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), praising Gabbard’s decades of service and her bipartisan support. “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 freedoms. As a former candidate for the Democrat presidential nomination, she has broad support in both parties. She is now a proud Republican and will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump wrote.
Gabbard, who is a four-term Congresswoman and 2020 presidential candidate, has served in the U.S. Army for over two decades, including deployments to the Middle East and Africa. She is currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and leads a nonprofit organization, “We Must Protect.”
Gabbard began her political career at 21, serving in the Hawaii State House of Representatives. After the 9/11 attacks, she enlisted in the Army National Guard and deployed to Iraq in 2004. Later, she worked in the U.S. Senate before running for Congress, where she served on the Armed Services, Homeland Security, and Foreign Affairs Committees.
In 2022, Gabbard left the Democratic Party, becoming an independent. She endorsed President Trump in 2024, citing his leadership and transformation of the Republican Party. Shortly after, she joined the GOP and co-chaired Trump’s transition team.
Sharing details on X, Tulsi Gabbard wrote, “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.”
