Published 07:01 IST, November 14th 2024

Who is Tulsi Gabbard? First Hindu US Congresswoman Appointed US Intel Chief by Donald Trump

Gabbard’s appointment highlights Trump’s preference for advisers who are skeptical of US military intervention abroad

Reported by: Digital Desk
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Tulsi Gabbard | Image: AP photo
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Washington: President-elect Donald Trump recently me a significant announcement, naming Tulsi Gabbard as his choice for Director of National Intelligence (DNI). This position would place her in charge of overseeing 18 US intelligence agencies, including CIA and FBI, and preparing President’s Daily Brief. While role is crucial for national security, Gabbard's appointment signals a shift in foreign policy priorities, aligning with Trump’s approach of appointing visers who are deeply skeptical of U.S. military interventions abro.

Early Political Career and Military Service

Tulsi Gabbard, a Samoan-American and a lieutenant colonel in U.S. Army Reserve, served in Iraq and was deployed in Middle East. She began her political career as a Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii, serving from 2013 to 2021. Known for her strong stance on foreign policy, Gabbard gained national attention for her criticism of US military involvement overseas, especially in Middle East. Her military experience gives her a unique perspective on cost of wars, which she believes have destabilized regions and me US less safe.

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Shift in Political Views: From Democrat to Independent

Gabbard was initially popular with progressives, especially for her support of Bernie Sanders in 2016 Democratic presidential race. However, her views began to diverge from mainstream Democratic politics. She became increasingly vocal against 'elitist cabal of warmongers' in Democratic Party, which she claimed controlled foreign policy decisions. In 2020, she ran for president, campaigning on idea that U.S. involvement in foreign wars was damaging to both U.S. and world. After endorsing Joe Biden , Gabbard ultimately left Democratic Party in 2022, declaring herself an independent.

Since n, she has gained support from Republicans and right-wing circles. She has also become a regular commentator on Fox News, where she discusses foreign policy and issues she believes matter most for America’s future.

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Criticism of U.S. Foreign Policy and Military Interventions

Throughout her career, Gabbard has consistently criticized US military interventions in Middle East. She argues that such wars, including Iraq War and ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, have led to loss of thousands of lives and wasted American taxpayer money. As Director of National Intelligence, she is expected to apply this same critical lens to US intelligence strategies, with an emphasis on reducing unnecessary military interventions and focusing on protecting American interests at home and abro.

What Her Appointment Could Mean

Gabbard’s appointment to this powerful role suggests that Trump intends to shift direction of US intelligence operations. Her background as a critic of American military overreach means she will likely vocate for intelligence strategies that focus more on diplomacy and strategic partnerships rar than military action.

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As DNI, Gabbard would be responsible for coordinating work of all intelligence agencies and ensuring that President has access to accurate and timely information about national security threats. Her unique blend of military experience, political independence, and skepticism of foreign military interventions could shape her leership in ways that challenge tritional intelligence practices.

 

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06:50 IST, November 14th 2024