Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump selected former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to serve as Director of National Intelligence.
“As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties – She is now a proud Republican!” Trump said in a statement.
“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. Tulsi will make us all proud!” he added.
Gabbard posted her gratitude in a post to X on Wednesday.
“Thank you, @realDonaldTrump, for the opportunity to serve as a member of your cabinet to defend the safety, security and freedom of the American people. I look forward to getting to work,” she wrote.
Gabbard is also an Army veteran who served in Iraq. She was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve three years ago.
The former Democrat served as a congresswoman from Hawaii from 2013 to 2021. In 2022, she became an Independent, and joined the GOP last month, as RSBN reported.
Gabbard made the announcement during Trump’s campaign rally in Greensboro, North Carolina.
“To those of you here or those watching at home who are independent-minded people like myself, who love our country and are committed to the Constitution and to freedom, the Democrat Party has no home for people like us,” Gabbard said.
“I’m proud to stand here with you today, President Trump, and announce that I’m joining the Republican Party,” she added.
Gabbard also posted a statement to her X account following the announcement to further detail the reasons behind her change to the Republican Party alongside Trump.
“For independent-thinkers like myself, there is no home in the Democrat Party. However, there is a home for us in the Republican Party,” Gabbard wrote.
“The Republican Party of warmongering elite Dick Cheney is in the past. Trump’s GOP is a big open tent party of the people, equality, commonsense, and the party that is led by a President who has the courage and strength to fight for peace,” she continued.
“Tonight I stood with President Trump and announced I am joining the Republican Party. President Trump is our best and only hope in this election to lead our country toward a future where every one of us can live in a truly free, peaceful, and prosperous nation. Now is the time for us to stand together, vote for Trump and save our country,” she concluded at the time.
