Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, has nominated Tulsi Gabbard, a former House Representative, as the Director of National Intelligence, overseeing the country’s intelligence agencies.
On the 13th local time, Trump announced the nomination in a statement expressing confidence that Tulsi will bring her indefatigable spirit, which has defined her distinguished career, to the intelligence community, uphold constitutional rights, and secure peace through strength.
Trump highlighted Gabbard’s long-standing dedication to fighting for the freedom of the United States and its citizens, noting her wide support across party lines as a former Democratic presidential primary contender.
The Director of National Intelligence oversees 18 intelligence agencies, including the CIA, FBI, and DIA, and participates in cabinet meetings. The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
Gabbard served as a Hawaii representative in the U.S. House from 2013 to 2021 and was the first Samoan-American in Congress. Born in American Samoa in 1981, she was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature at 21, making her the youngest female legislator at the time.
Enlisting in the Army National Guard in 2003, Gabbard is now serving as a reserve lieutenant colonel in Oklahoma. Motivated by the 9/11 attacks, she served nearly 20 years in the military and was deployed to Iraq, Kuwait, and Africa.
Originally a Democrat, she left the party in 2022 over policy differences and was an independent before joining the Republican Party in 2024.
Gabbard ran in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary but withdrew early and endorsed President Joe Biden. Her strong debate presence against then-candidate Kamala Harris left a significant impression, and she later assisted Trump in preparing for TV debates against Vice President Harris during this election cycle.
She was briefly considered a potential Republican vice-presidential candidate and has been part of Trump’s transition team.
[Photo source: AFP=Yonhap News]
For news tips:
– Call: 02-781-1234, 4444
– Email: [email protected]
– Find ‘KBS제보’ on KakaoTalk and add the channel
– Subscribe to KBS News on Naver and YouTube!