President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Tulsi Gabbard, a former House Democrat who became a high-profile Trump supporter, to be director of national intelligence. Gabbard, a former Democratic presidential candidate and Army Reserve lieutenant colonel, announced her departure from the Democratic Party prior to the 2022 midterm elections, citing concerns about the party’s commitment to constitutional freedoms.
Gabbard endorsed Trump in August 2022 and joined his transition team as a co-chair. She formally announced her switch to the Republican Party last month. If confirmed as director of national intelligence, Gabbard would be the first person of color to hold the position. She has faced criticism for her 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and her skepticism of U.S. intelligence community assessments regarding Russian interference in U.S. politics.
Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer, expressed concerns about Gabbard’s nomination, citing her alleged promotion of Russian propaganda regarding biological weapons labs in Ukraine. Spanberger criticized Gabbard’s qualifications, affiliations with dictators, and alleged spread of conspiracy theories. Gabbard has also been vocal in her criticism of the House Jan. 6 committee and the Trump impeachment process.
Gabbard’s confirmation as director of national intelligence would represent a significant shift in the leadership of the intelligence community, with concerns raised about her lack of experience in intelligence and national security. Her nomination has sparked controversy and debate among lawmakers, with some expressing reservations about her fitness for the position.
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