Trump Picks Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence

Former President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard after she endorsed him at the National Guard Association conference in Detroit on Aug. 26, 2024. Jeff Kowalsky/AFP via Getty Images

President-elect Donald Trump has named former congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as his pick for the director of national intelligence role in his incoming administration.

“I am pleased to announce that former Congresswoman, Lieutenant Colonel Tulsi Gabbard, will serve as Director of National Intelligence (DNI). For over two decades, Tulsi has fought for our Country and the Freedoms of all Americans,” Trump said in a statement shared by his campaign team on Nov. 13.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence oversees the U.S. intelligence community.

Gabbard joined the Hawaii Army National Guard in 2003 and transferred to the Army Reserve in 2020. She currently holds the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Gabbard served in Congress as a Democratic representative for Hawaii from 2013 to 2021.

Gabbard unsuccessfully ran in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary before leaving the party to become an independent in 2022. She campaigned for several Republican candidates in the 2022 midterm elections before endorsing Trump in August. She is also an honorary co-chair of Trump’s presidential transition team.

“As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties - She is now a proud Republican!” Trump stated.

“I know 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. Tulsi will make us all proud!”

The announcement was made a day after Trump named John Ratcliffe as his next CIA director. Ratcliffe served as DNI during Trump’s first term in office, holding the position from March 2020 to January 2021.