In a move that has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum, former Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is reportedly being considered by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the nation’s intelligence community. Gabbard, who served as a Democrat in the House of Representatives from 2013 to 2021, has since joined the Republican Party and become a vocal supporter of Trump. Her potential appointment as Director of National Intelligence has sparked intense speculation and debate, given her controversial views on foreign policy and national security.
Multiple sources have confirmed to Fox News Digital that Gabbard is on a shortlist of contenders for the position. She is joined by former Utah Republican Congressman Chris Stewart, who also reportedly has been in active discussions with the Trump transition team.
Gabbard, a veteran and active-duty Army reservist, has been a vocal critic of both Democrats and Republicans. She has spoken out against US involvement in the Middle East, criticizing Trump’s decision to kill Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Gabbard has also been critical of the military-industrial complex and has advocated for ending US interventionism abroad. In September, she told Fox News Digital that she would be “honored” to join a Trump administration, highlighting her priorities as bringing “an end to the influence of the military industrial complex,” preventing World War III, and bringing the US back “from the brink of nuclear war.”
Despite her recent support for Trump, Gabbard has not shied away from criticizing him. She has been critical of his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and has accused him of being a “dictator.” However, her support for Trump on foreign policy, specifically his focus on ending US involvement in endless wars, has solidified her position as a key figure within the Trump orbit.
Gabbard’s potential appointment has been met with mixed reactions. Some have praised her experience and her commitment to peace, while others have expressed concerns about her past criticisms of the intelligence community and her controversial views on foreign policy. The appointment would require Senate confirmation, which is likely to be a contentious process given the deep divisions in American politics.
The Director of National Intelligence is a critical position, responsible for advising the President, the National Security Council, and the Homeland Security Council on national security matters. Any nominee for this role must undergo a rigorous vetting process, including scrutiny by the Senate Intelligence Committee.
Gabbard’s potential nomination highlights the unpredictable nature of Trump’s transition team and his willingness to consider unconventional candidates. The appointment is sure to be one of the most closely watched in the coming weeks, as the nation braces for the next chapter in American politics.
