President-elect Donald Trump has named former Democratic representative Tulsi Gabbard, who defected to the GOP in 2022, the nation’s next Director of National Intelligence. Gabbard was one of several contenders for vice president under Trump when she abandoned the Democratic Party in February 2022. She will take over on Inauguration Day in January in what had previously been the position of Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence under President Joe Biden.
Gabbard, 43, had served as a major in the Hawaii National Guard during her deployment to Iraq from 2004 to 2005 and currently serves as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. Not, directly speaking, allied with intelligence roles, but her military background and political career have always helped her gain popularity as a strong critique of the Biden administration. Gabbard has gained tremendous support among conservative circles, particularly on issues that relate to countering attacks on “wokeness” and her overt stance against isolationist foreign policies.
Summed up all of this, President-elect Trump stated regarding Gabbard: “I am convinced she has the leadership with ‘fearless spirit’ and commitment to securing ‘peace through strength.’ I am proud to say that she has long been dedicated to the defense of American freedom, both at home and abroad.”. On this, Gabbard thanked Trump for the opportunity to serve but reiterated her defense of the safety and security of the people of America.
Her nomination is not likely to be opposed in the Senate, as the Republicans will still be in a majority by the next month of January. Gabbard, along with her experience and increasing popularity amongst conservative circles, is perhaps a clever move by Trump to further fortify the country’s intelligence setup apart from his general perception of politics.
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