Tulsi Gabbard, former Congresswoman, has emerged as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for the high office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Gabbard has served in uniform for more than 20 years and is currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.
She is currently serving as Battalion Commander of the 1/354 Regiment in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and leads her non-profit organisation, “We Must Protect.”
This 41 year old tough lady has Samoan and European ancestry and was raised in a multi-cultural household.
Notably, Tulsi’s mother, Carol believes in the Hindu faith. Her father, Mike is Catholic.
The children have Hindu names: Bhakti, Jai, Aryan, Tulsi and Vrindavan.
Tulsi took her congressional oath of office over a Hindu text.
In a statement issued on November 13, Trump said, ” I am pleased to announce that former Congresswoman, Lieutenant Colonel Tulsi Gabbard , will serve as Director of National Intelligence.”
“Tulsi has fought for our country and the freedoms of all Americans. Tulsi will make us all proud!,” he said.
Tulsi lost no time in thanking Trump on X.
She said, “I look forward to getting to work.”
“Thank you, @realDonaldTrump,for the opportunity to serve as a member of your cabinet to defend the safety, security and freedom of the American people.”
Although Tulsi brings to the table very rich and varied experience, stepping into John Ratcliffe’s shoes may not be that easy.
Trump has now handpicked 59-year old Ratcliffe, former Director of National Intelligence, as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
The 78 year old President-elect went on to highlight Tulsi’s achievements and even mentioned her switch over to the Republican camp.
He said that Tulsi, former candidate for the Democrat Presidential nomination, has broad support in both parties. ” She is now a proud Republican!”
It was in October 2022 that Tulsi announced that she was leaving the Democrat Party and becoming an Independent.
In August 2024, she formally endorsed Trump for a second term and soon began serving as co-chair of the transition team.
Giving himself a pat on the back, Trump said that Tulsi Gabbard joined the Republican Party because of his leadership.
He said that Tulsi joined the party due to his ability to transform the party and restore it as the party of the people and the party of peace.
Justifying his choice, Trump said that Tulsi will bring ” the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our intelligence community.”
He said that four-term Congresswoman, 2020 Presidential candidate and NYT Best-selling author Tulsi Gabbard is a veteran.
Her first book ‘For Love Of Country: Leave The Democart Party Behind’ was released in April, seven months before the November 5 U.S. election.
She had had three deployments in war zones in the Middle East and Africa.
Trump is confident that Tulsi who has championed Constitutional rights, will secure Peace through Strength.
Tulsi began her political career at the age of 21 and served in elected office in the Hawaii State House of Representatives.
She enlisted in the Army due to the 9/11 attacks.
Twenty years ago, she gave up an easy re-election campaign and volunteered to deploy in Iraq with the 29th Brigade Combat Team.
She served there in a medical unit.
On returning home in 2006, Tulsi worked in the U.S. Senate as a legislative aide to the late Senator Danny Akaka.
After this, she volunteered for a second Middle East deployment as a Platoon Leader.
She ran for United States Congress at the age of 31 and promised to honour the lives and sacrifice of her brothers and sisters in uniform.
Trump stated that Tulsi prevailed in a difficult election.
She went on to serve in Congress for eight years as a member of the Armed Services, Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs Committees.
