President-elect Donald Trump said he plans to nominate former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as the director of national intelligence, the Cabinet member in charge of gathering and sharing sensitive foreign information and secrets.
Ms. Gabbard, 43, served in Congress as a Democrat from 2013 to 2021 and ran for president in the 2020 primary. But she became disillusioned with the Democratic Party, backed Mr. Trump and became a Republican.
Mr. Trump highlighted her service in combat during three deployments to war zones. She is a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.
“For over two decades, Tulsi has fought for our country and the freedoms of all Americans,” Mr. Trump said.
Ms. Gabbard is a frequent presence on television and often criticizes establishment politicians for what she describes as foreign warmongering.
She’s drawn scrutiny, however, for comments construed as too sympathetic to Russia and for holding unplanned meetings with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during that country’s civil war.
Those issues may complicate her confirmation process in the Senate, despite the GOP’s majority and support for Mr. Trump’s agenda.
Mr. Trump said Ms. Gabbard is the right pick for DNI, which oversees the United States intelligence community and attends Cabinet meetings.
“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,” Mr. Trump said.
The current director under President Biden is Avril Haines.
Ms. Gabbard served on three panels involving U.S. security during her terms in Congress. She was a member of the committees on Homeland Security, Armed Services and Foreign Affairs.
She was also assigned to the Committee on Financial Services, serving on the subcommittee on National Security, International Development and Monetary Policy.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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