Thu Nov 14 14:48:47 UTC 2024: ## Trump Appoints Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence
**WASHINGTON, D.C. -** President-elect Donald Trump has chosen former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard to serve as Director of National Intelligence in his administration. The announcement, made Wednesday, comes as a surprise to many, as Gabbard has no prior experience in intelligence roles.
Gabbard, a veteran with three deployments to war zones in the Middle East and Africa, gained notoriety for her outspoken criticism of her own party and her support for Senator Bernie Sanders in the 2016 presidential election. She left the Democratic Party in 2022 and endorsed Trump earlier this year, gaining popularity among his supporters.
Trump cited Gabbard’s “fearless spirit” and her commitment to “securing peace through strength” as key factors in his decision. He believes her experience in the military, as a former congresswoman, and her bestselling author status make her a suitable candidate for the critical role.
However, some critics have expressed concern over Gabbard’s lack of traditional intelligence experience. She has served on the House Homeland Security Committee, but her primary focus has been on her own political career.
Gabbard’s appointment comes as a significant shake-up in the intelligence community, as she has been a vocal critic of the deep state and has called for reforms within the intelligence agencies. It remains to be seen how her outsider status will affect her leadership and how she will manage relationships with other intelligence agencies.
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