President-elect Donald Trump has announced that former Congresswoman and decorated military veteran Tulsi Gabbard will serve as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in his second administration. Gabbard, once a Democratic presidential candidate and the first Hindu member of Congress, transitioned from the Democratic Party in 2022, joining the Republican Party in October 2024 after endorsing Trump’s re-election bid.

“Tulsi has dedicated herself to defending our nation and safeguarding American freedoms,” Trump stated, praising her “fearless spirit” and bipartisan appeal. As a four-term congresswoman and lieutenant colonel in the Army National Guard, Gabbard brings years of experience from her service on the Armed Services, Homeland Security, and Foreign Affairs Committees, as well as three combat deployments to the Middle East and Africa.

Gabbard’s political journey began at 21, when she became a member of Hawaii’s House of Representatives. Following the 9/11 attacks, she enlisted in the Army National Guard, choosing to deploy to Iraq in 2004 rather than pursuing re-election. In Congress, she championed veterans’ issues and national security, gaining a reputation for challenging establishment viewpoints, particularly on foreign policy and military intervention.

Gabbard’s memoir, For Love of Country: Leave the Democrat Party Behind, became a New York Times bestseller in April 2024. After endorsing Trump and serving as co-chair of his transition team, she officially joined the Republican Party. Her selection as DNI underscores Trump’s push to reshape the intelligence community with leadership he describes as “dedicated to peace through strength.”

Gabbard’s supporters view her appointment as a promising shift towards bipartisanship within intelligence leadership. “Tulsi will champion our Constitutional rights and help secure peace,” Trump added. Her tenure will likely focus on strengthening national security while advocating for a more restrained approach to U.S. foreign engagements.