Former US Representative Tulsi Gabbard has taken a significant step toward becoming the next Director of National Intelligence under Donald Trump’s potential presidency. Her nomination cleared a key hurdle on Tuesday as the Senate Intelligence Committee approved her in a narrow 9-8 vote, with Democrats opposing the decision, according to the Associated Press.
Gabbard’s nomination now moves to the full Senate for consideration. However, both Republicans and Democrats have raised concerns about her lack of significant intelligence experience. If confirmed, she would oversee all 18 US intelligence agencies, a role that demands expertise in national security, surveillance, and intelligence gathering.
Who Is Tulsi Gabbard?
Tulsi Gabbard, 43, is a former Democratic lawmaker, combat veteran, and vocal political figure who has undergone a significant ideological shift in recent years.
- Early Life & Background: Born in American Samoa and raised in Hawaii, Gabbard grew up in a Krishna devotee family with ties to the Science of Identity Foundation, a splinter group of ISKCON.
- Political Entry: At just 21, she was elected to the Hawaii House of Representatives in 2002.
- Military Service & Congressional Career: After serving in Iraq, she returned to politics and won a seat in the US House of Representatives from Hawaii in 2012, becoming the first Hindu member of Congress. She took her oath on the Bhagavad Gita.
- Democratic Presidential Run: Gabbard ran in the 2019-2020 Democratic primaries but later dropped out and endorsed Joe Biden. She was known for her criticism of US foreign policy, arguing that American wars in the Middle East had caused instability.
- Shift Away from the Democratic Party: In 2022, she left the Democratic Party, calling it an “elitist cabal of warmongers” and criticizing its progressive policies.
- Support for Donald Trump: In the 2024 US election, she endorsed Trump and assisted his team in preparing for presidential debates.
Political Divide Over Gabbard’s Nomination
Her nomination has been met with skepticism from both parties. While her military background adds credibility, critics argue that her limited intelligence experience makes her an unconventional choice for the role.
Gabbard is married to cinematographer Abraham Williams and remains an influential figure in American politics. Whether she secures Senate confirmation remains to be seen, but her nomination signals a major shift in Trump’s intelligence strategy.
Sources By Agencies
