Tulsi Gabbard is a former U.S. Congresswoman from Hawaii and the first Hindu elected to the House. A combat veteran, she served two tours in the Middle East as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army National Guard. Gabbard gained prominence for her non-interventionist foreign policy views and ran for president in 2020. In 2024, President Donald Trump appointed her as Director of National Intelligence, marking a significant role in U.S. intelligence with a focus on de-escalating global conflicts.
President-elect Donald Trump has selected former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as his pick for Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Gabbard, known for her bipartisan appeal and outspoken views on U.S. foreign policy, is the first Hindu to serve in Congress, and her appointment marks a significant departure from Trump’s typical pattern of picking loyalists and establishment figures. Gabbard’s selection comes at a time when the United States faces a host of international challenges, including ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, and her approach could shape the nation’s intelligence strategy in ways that contrast sharply with previous administrations.
While Trump has been known for appointing individuals with staunch political loyalty, Gabbard’s independent streak and willingness to challenge party lines set her apart from many of his past appointees. A combat veteran and former member of Congress, her background offers a fresh perspective on national security, which has sparked both support and controversy. As DNI, Gabbard will oversee the 18 agencies that make up the U.S. Intelligence Community, a position that wields significant influence in shaping U.S. foreign policy and security operations.
Gabbard’s Bipartisan Appeal
Gabbard’s bipartisan appeal has been one of her defining characteristics throughout her political career. Over the years, she has attracted support across party lines, positioning herself as a reformer rather than a traditional partisan figure. Her decision to back Trump after her 2020 presidential bid, despite the polarizing nature of his presidency, underscores her commitment to prioritizing what she views as the best interests of the country over partisan loyalty.
This pragmatic approach to politics is what Trump himself praised in his announcement. He described Gabbard as a “fearless leader” with “broad support” from both sides of the aisle. Trump’s support for Gabbard, a Democrat-turned-Republican ally, signals a break from the political polarization that has long defined Washington, particularly in the realm of intelligence and national security. Gabbard’s appointment may encourage a new, less partisan era of decision-making in intelligence circles, potentially enabling more bipartisan collaboration on pressing security issues.
Gabbard’s Military Background
Tulsi Gabbard’s military service, including her tenure as a combat veteran and Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve, provides her with a unique vantage point on national security. Gabbard’s firsthand experience in war zones adds depth to her understanding of the global threats facing the U.S. Her background could signal a shift in the direction of U.S. intelligence priorities, with a stronger emphasis on diplomacy and de-escalation rather than military intervention.
Gabbard’s experience in the Army Reserve is not merely ceremonial; it has shaped her approach to U.S. foreign policy. As a combat veteran, she has a nuanced understanding of the cost of war and has expressed deep skepticism about prolonged military engagements abroad. This is particularly evident in her outspoken criticism of U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts. Gabbard has consistently questioned the rationale behind U.S. military interventions in the Middle East, often calling for a more restrained foreign policy. As DNI, her perspective on the use of intelligence in military conflicts could offer a more cautious approach to U.S. military engagements.
Shaping Trump’s Foreign Policy
Gabbard’s history of challenging U.S. foreign policy makes her an unconventional pick for a national security post. One of the most contentious aspects of her political career has been her outspoken opposition to U.S. military interventions abroad. As a candidate in the 2020 presidential race, Gabbard campaigned on a platform of ending what she described as “endless wars” and reducing American involvement in conflicts such as the Syrian Civil War. In 2017, she made headlines by visiting Syria and meeting with President Bashar al-Assad, a move that earned her widespread criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. This visit, which she justified as part of a fact-finding mission, further solidified her image as a critic of U.S. military interventions, a stance that aligns with Trump’s more isolationist tendencies.
Gabbard’s criticisms of U.S. foreign policy align with Trump’s general approach to international relations, which has often focused on reducing American military presence abroad. In her role as DNI, Gabbard is likely to advocate for intelligence policies that prioritize diplomacy and de-escalation, with a focus on avoiding military confrontations and engaging in multilateral dialogues where possible. Her views on global conflicts, particularly those involving U.S. allies, could lead to a reevaluation of the U.S.’s involvement in regions like the Middle East and Eastern Europe, potentially reshaping U.S. diplomatic and intelligence strategies in the process.
The Potential Impact on U.S. Intelligence and Diplomacy
Gabbard’s selection as DNI raises questions about the direction of U.S. intelligence and diplomatic priorities under a second Trump administration. As a critic of U.S. foreign interventions, she could potentially reshape the way U.S. intelligence is used in international relations. While intelligence agencies typically focus on gathering and analyzing data, their influence extends into shaping policy decisions. Gabbard’s unique background may influence how intelligence is employed in discussions about military intervention, alliances, and international diplomacy.
For instance, Gabbard’s past statements about reducing U.S. military involvement in global conflicts suggest that she might prioritize intelligence efforts that focus on diplomatic solutions and conflict prevention, rather than military escalation. She could also advocate for a more restrained approach to the use of intelligence in covert operations, preferring to rely on diplomatic channels over intelligence-backed military actions.
Furthermore, Gabbard’s appointment might signal a shift in how the U.S. approaches foreign adversaries like Russia and China. Her criticism of Biden’s support for Ukraine and her non-interventionist stance could influence U.S. intelligence strategy in these regions, where tensions remain high. Her approach to intelligence could ultimately affect U.S. national security priorities, focusing on non-military methods of influence and conflict resolution.
A Divisive Appointment
Gabbard’s appointment to the DNI post has been met with a mix of support and skepticism. While some view her as a pragmatic choice who could bring fresh perspectives to U.S. intelligence, others criticize her for her controversial stances on foreign policy, particularly her meeting with Assad and her criticisms of U.S. involvement in Syria and Ukraine. Her critics argue that her views might hinder the U.S.’s ability to maintain strong international alliances and respond decisively to global threats.
Supporters, however, see Gabbard as a much-needed voice of reason in an often polarized national security establishment. Her willingness to question established foreign policy practices and her track record of bipartisan appeal give her a unique position to influence the direction of U.S. intelligence and diplomacy. As DNI, she will undoubtedly face challenges, both from within the U.S. intelligence community and abroad, as she works to implement her vision of national security.
In the coming months, Gabbard’s leadership in intelligence will likely provide clarity on how the Trump administration plans to approach both global threats and U.S. foreign relations. Whether her unconventional views will reshape the U.S. intelligence community remains to be seen, but her appointment signifies a shift in Trump’s approach to national security, with an emphasis on diplomacy, restraint, and a reevaluation of the role of U.S. intelligence in global conflict.
