Trump picks former Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – President-elect Donald Trump has named former Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as his nominee for director of national intelligence.
“For over two decades, Tulsi has fought for our Country and the Freedoms of all Americans,” Trump said, in a statement. “As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties – She is now a proud Republican!”
Local GOP leaders had a positive reaction.
“Very, very excited about Hawaii’s own Tulsi Gabbard being chosen for the director of national intelligence,” Hawaii Trump Campaign Chair Shirlene Ostrov said.
Gabbard was co-chair of Trump’s transition team and announced she had officially become a member of the Republican party in October.
Some critics said she doesn’t have deep experience in the intelligence field.
“The job that he is nominating Tulsi Gabbard for is a very senior position in the intelligence community,” said HNN Political Analyst Colin Moore.
“It coordinates across 18 agencies. It manages the president’s Daily Brief. And Tulsi Gabbard doesn’t have a lot of experience in intelligence,” he added.
“Tulsi has shown some great mettle in her experience on the national stage, leading some really important issues in Congress as well as running for president,” said Ostrov. “I wouldn’t say that she is inexperienced at all.”
She served as the U.S. representative for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District from 2013 to 2021.
Gabbard ran for president as a Democrat in 2020 before denouncing the party two years later and becoming an independent.
Gabbard publicly announced her endorsement of Trump back in August.
“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,” Trump continued, in the statement. “Tulsi will make us all proud!”
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