Tulsi Gabbard, born April 12, 1981, in Leloaloa, American Samoa, is an American politician and military officer. She served as the U.S. Representative for Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2021 and is a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.

In November 2024, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Gabbard for the position of Director of National Intelligence (DNI). If confirmed, she would oversee the nation’s intelligence community and serve as the principal intelligence advisor to the President.

Gabbard’s nomination has sparked controversy due to her limited experience in the intelligence field and her past foreign policy positions, which some view as sympathetic to adversarial nations. This has raised concerns within the intelligence community and among lawmakers regarding her suitability for the role.

Her confirmation process is anticipated to be contentious, with scrutiny over her qualifications and previous statements. The Senate Intelligence Committee will conduct hearings to evaluate her nomination before a full Senate vote.

Gabbard’s political career includes a 2020 presidential bid as a Democrat. She left the Democratic Party in 2022, citing ideological differences, and has since aligned more closely with conservative viewpoints.

Her military service includes two deployments to the Middle East, and she has been recognized for her advocacy on veterans’ issues.
The outcome of her nomination will significantly impact the leadership and direction of U.S. intelligence operations in the coming years.