First US Hindu Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard To Lead Intelligence Agencies In New Trump Administration— All You Need To Know

US President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday (13 November) announced the appointment of Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democrat, as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in his upcoming administration.

The Director of National Intelligence serves as the head of the US Intelligence Community, overseeing and directing the implementation of the National Intelligence Program and acting as the principal advisor to the President, the National Security Council, and the Homeland Security Council for intelligence matters related to national security. 

Trump described Gabbard as a “proud Republican” who would introduce her “fearless spirit” to the intelligence community.

"As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties - She is now a proud Republican!” Donald 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!” the President-elect said on Wednesday.

Gabbard brings over two decades of experience of serving in the US military to the role.

Earlier, she represented Hawaii's second district as a Democratic Congresswoman from 2013 to 2021.

Gabbard has served in the Army National Guard for over 20 years, with deployments to Iraq and Kuwait. Additionally, she spent two years on the House Homeland Security Committee.

Often mistaken as Indian due to her name, Gabbard has no connection to India. Her mother adopted Hinduism and named her children accordingly.

Gabbard, who identifies as Hindu, became the first Hindu US Congresswoman and took her oath on the Bhagavad Gita, though she is of American Samoan descent.

In 2020, Gabbard made a bid for Democratic president nomination against Kamala Harris, blaming her own party for not opposing wars.

She later dropped out of the race, and ultimately left the party in 2022, saying that it was dominated by an “elitist cabal of warmongers” and “woke” ideologues.

Gabbard endorsed Donald Trump for the presidency and helped him prepare for the debate against Kamala Harris.

She later officially announced joining the Republican party during a Trump campaign rally earlier this year.

Gabbard is married to cinematographer Abraham Williams.

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