Trump Nominates Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard for the position of Director of National Intelligence (DNI), signalling a controversial shift in his administration towards individuals with sceptical views on U.S. foreign policy. Gabbard, who previously served in Congress as a Democrat and is now aligned with the Republican Party, has been a vocal critic of American military interventions, which aligns closely with Trump’s own foreign policy stance.
Gabbard’s appointment has raised concerns regarding her qualifications, as she lacks significant experience in intelligence or national security. Her past statements have included support for controversial figures such as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and an alignment with Russian narratives amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Critics have expressed alarm at her viewpoints, warning that her nomination poses a national security risk.
The role of DNI, established post-9/11, oversees 18 U.S. intelligence agencies and plays a crucial role in national security and information sharing. Gabbard’s appointment comes at a time when Trump has expressed intent to reform the intelligence community, which he has accused of interference and corruption throughout his presidency.
Gabbard, who holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve and has combat experience in Iraq, previously held a progressive agenda during her time in the Democratic Party. However, her recent support for Trump and shift in political alignment have positioned her in a controversial light as she prepares to potentially oversee clandestine operations and national intelligence strategies.
As the Senate faces the task of confirming this nomination, many Republican senators may feel the need to weigh the implications of appointing someone with Gabbard’s contentious background to such a significant role in the safety and security apparatus of the United States.
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Tulsi Gabbard’s Nomination Is a National-Security Risk
The Senate can stop her.
www.theatlantic.com
Donald Trump taps loyalists Matt Gaetz and Tulsi Gabbard for key roles
President-elect sends shockwaves through Washington with selections for attorney-general and intelligence director
www.ft.com
Tulsi Gabbard: Trump’s new intelligence chief backed Kremlin conspiracy theories
Former Democrat has spoken about Russia’s ‘legitimate security concerns’ regarding Ukraine and played down Syria’s used of chemical weapons
www.telegraph.co.uk
There Is Only One Reason Trump Would Put These Absolute Crackpots in Charge of Military and Intelligence Agencies
This is a national security disaster.
slate.com
Tulsi Gabbard: Who is Tulsi Gabbard? Meet the Hindu American appointed by Donald Trump as US Director of National Intelligence | World News - Times of India
US News: Former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has been appointed as the director of national intelligence by US President-elect Donald Trump.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Trump Picks Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence
Ms. Gabbard, a former congresswoman who left the Democratic Party, would hold a top job in the administration, overseeing 18 spy agencies.
www.nytimes.com