Trump picks Tulsi Gabbard as nominee for director of national intelligence

President-elect Donald Trump stirred headlines once again after he announced that he would nominate former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as the US Director of National Intelligence after he returns to office next year. The erstwhile Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii shifted her political allegiance after she failed to secure the liberal party’s presidential nomination during the 2020 elections.

After assuming the role, Gabbard will oversee all 18 US national agencies. Lauding Gabbard’s stellar record, Trump said that she “has broad support” from both political parties. “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,” he said. “Tulsi will make us all proud!” he added.

While filling the top brass of the US government, Trump has leaned towards picking his loyalists, overlooking the fact that some of them might not have national security credentials. One of the prime examples of this is the nomination of Pete Hegseth for secretary of defence on Tuesday.

It is pertinent to note that Hegseth was a Fox News host and veteran of the Army National Guard. While he has been a vocal defender of Trump, he has no senior military or national security experience.