In a significant appointment, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has named Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic representative, as the new Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Gabbard, who has recently become a prominent Trump ally after leaving the Democratic Party, will now oversee 18 U.S. intelligence agencies, marking her debut in a key intelligence role.
After endorsing Trump earlier this year, Gabbard expressed gratitude for her new role, stating her eagerness to lead with what Trump described as a “fearless spirit” that has defined her career. Here’s a look at Gabbard’s background and achievements:
1. Early Life and Education
Tulsi Gabbard was born on April 12, 1981, in American Samoa and moved to Hawaii with her family at a young age. A strong environmental advocate from her teens, she co-founded the Healthy Hawai’i Coalition. Gabbard graduated with a Business Administration degree from Hawaii Pacific University in 2009. Her father, Mike Gabbard, is a Hawaii State Senator, and she is married to cinematographer Abraham Williams.
2. Military Service
With over 20 years in the Army National Guard, Gabbard served in Iraq and Kuwait, receiving the Combat Medical Badge in 2005 for her role in combat support operations. Although she hasn’t held high-level intelligence roles, she served on the House Homeland Security Committee, gaining experience in national security.
3. A Historic Congressional Figure
Gabbard was elected to Hawaii’s House of Representatives at 21 but paused her political career to serve in Iraq. She later became the first Hindu member of Congress, representing Hawaii, and took her oath on the Bhagavad Gita. Gabbard was also the first American Samoan elected to Congress.
4. Presidential Run and Political Shift
In 2020, Gabbard ran for the Democratic presidential nomination, advocating against U.S. military involvement overseas. After stepping back from the race and supporting Joe Biden, she ultimately left the Democratic Party in 2022, citing deep ideological differences.
5. Gabbard’s Alliance with Trump
Gabbard’s recent endorsement of Trump has resonated with his supporters. In a North Carolina rally, she officially joined the Republican Party, criticizing the Democrats for becoming “unrecognizable.” Her new role as Director of National Intelligence marks a major step in her evolving political journey.
