From Congress to Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s New Role for National Intelligence

Former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard was appointed as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on November 13. Announcing the decision on Truth Social, Trump praised Gabbard’s fearless spirit and commitment to defending constitutional rights and national security. 

Appointment and Role

Appointment Date: November 13, 2024.

Appointed By: U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Responsibilities as DNI

• Oversees 18 U.S. intelligence agencies.
• Directs the implementation of the National Intelligence Program.
• Prepares the President’s Daily Brief on national security.
• Serves as the principal intelligence advisor to the President, National Security Council, and Homeland Security Council.

Historical Significance

• First Hindu to win a U.S. House of Representatives seat in 2012.
• Took her congressional oath on the Bhagavad Gita.
• First Samoan-American elected to Congress.

Early Life and Military Service

• Birth and Background: Born in 1981 in Hawaii to a Samoan-American father and a Midwestern-American mother.
• Hindu Roots: Raised in a multi-faith family, celebrating both Hindu and Christian traditions.
• Joined Hawaii National Guard in 2004; deployed twice to the Middle East.
• Holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Political Career

• Hawaiian Legislature: Youngest woman elected to Hawaii’s state legislature in 2002 at age 21.
• U.S. Congress: Elected in 2012 from Hawaii’s second congressional district.

Democratic Party Criticisms

• Opposed U.S. intervention in Syria in 2015.
• Criticized NATO expansion and the Biden administration’s approach to the Russia-Ukraine war.
• Resigned from the Democratic Party in 2022, citing ideological differences.

Shift to MAGA Republican

• Endorsed Donald Trump, citing alignment on issues like non-interventionist foreign policy.
• Became a political commentator for Fox News, supporting Trump’s policies.
• Officially joined the Republican Party in October 2024.

Challenges as DNI

• Expected friction with the U.S. intelligence establishment due to her critical views.
• Known for challenging intelligence assessments on issues like Syria and Ukraine.

Historical Context of the DNI Role

• Established: Based on 9/11 Commission recommendations in 2004.
• Purpose: To unify and streamline the intelligence community.
• CIA Relationship: CIA now reports to the DNI; the role was previously the CIA chief’s responsibility.

Senate Confirmation

• Senate approval anticipated as a formality, with Republicans holding the majority.

Legacy Outlook

• Gabbard’s tenure is likely to be shaped by her independent stances and Trump’s strategic influence on U.S. intelligence policy.