President-elect Donald Trump announced the nomination of Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii, as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). This appointment marks a significant milestone, as Gabbard becomes the first Hindu American to hold this pivotal position within the U.S. intelligence community.
In his announcement on Truth Social, Trump praised Gabbard’s extensive service record, stating, “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.” He highlighted her over two decades of dedication to the nation, referencing her rank as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve and her deployment during the Iraq War.
Gabbard’s political journey has been notably dynamic. Initially a rising star within the Democratic Party, she served as Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee. However, in 2016, she resigned from this role, criticizing the party’s leadership for undemocratically favoring Hillary Clinton as the presidential nominee. In 2022, Gabbard publicly departed from the Democratic Party, denouncing it as an “elitist cabal of war mongers” and subsequently joined the Republican Party in 2024, actively campaigning for Trump’s re-election.
Her nomination as DNI places her at the helm of coordinating the efforts of 18 intelligence agencies, including the National Counterterrorism Center and the National Counterintelligence and Security Center. A key responsibility of the DNI is to prepare the President’s daily intelligence briefing, providing a comprehensive overview of global security developments and emerging threats.
Gabbard’s connection to India has been a consistent aspect of her career. In 2019, after meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she emphasized the importance of the U.S.-India partnership, stating, “India is the world’s largest democracy and one of the United States’ most important partners in the Asia-Pacific region.” Their discussions covered various topics, including the situation in Kashmir, civil rights, women’s empowerment, poverty alleviation, and concerns over escalating tensions with Iran.
Her nomination is part of a broader pattern in Trump’s cabinet selections, which include individuals with strong ties to India. For instance, Mike Waltz, co-chair of the India Caucus in Congress, has been nominated as National Security Adviser, and Senator Marco Rubio, a supporter of India, is the nominee for Secretary of State.
Gabbard’s diverse heritage—Samoan on her father’s side and European on her mother’s—along with her family’s embrace of Hinduism, adds a unique dimension to her profile. She made history in 2004 as the first Hindu elected to Congress and took her oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita, reflecting her deep-rooted cultural and religious values.
As she steps into the role of Director of National Intelligence, Gabbard brings a blend of military experience, political acumen, and a commitment to civil liberties. Her leadership is anticipated to influence the direction of U.S. intelligence operations, with a focus on upholding constitutional rights and pursuing a strategy of “Peace through Strength.”
Source: nripulse.com
