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Tulsi Gabbard : In a significant move, the US Senate on Wednesday confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) under President Donald Trump. Her appointment initially sparked debate, especially among Republican Party members, who were hesitant to back her. However, they ultimately rallied in support, paving the way for Gabbard to take charge of overseeing and coordinating 18 different intelligence agencies across the nation.
An Unconventional Pick for a Critical Role
Gabbard’s appointment as the head of the nation’s intelligence community comes as a surprise to many, given her unique political and military background. A former US Army officer and a Democratic Congresswoman, she has often taken independent stances, challenging both parties.
Despite strong opposition from Democratic lawmakers, the Senate confirmed her with a narrow 52-48 vote. The Republican majority ultimately secured her confirmation. Gabbard now holds one of the most influential positions in the intelligence sector, heading the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)—a department established after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to prevent future intelligence failures.
Trump’s Unexpected Choice
Following his re-election, Donald Trump wasted no time assembling his second-term administration, bringing in unexpected and bold choices for key positions. Tulsi Gabbard’s selection as DNI was one of the biggest surprises.
By appointing Gabbard, Trump made history—she became the first Hindu woman to assume such a high-ranking intelligence role in the US government. Her independent political stance, past military service, and experience in Congress made her an unconventional yet strategic pick for Trump’s intelligence team.
Who Is Tulsi Gabbard?
Tulsi Gabbard has had an eventful political career. She served in the US Congress from 2013 to 2021 as a Democrat. In 2020, she even ran for the Democratic presidential nomination, though she later endorsed Joe Biden after failing to gain traction. However, her political journey took a sharp turn in 2022, when she left the Democratic Party and became one of Biden’s fiercest critics.
That same year, she ran as an independent candidate, further establishing her image as a political outlier. Her evolving political stance and bipartisan appeal even put her on the radar as a potential vice-presidential pick for Donald Trump.
Does Tulsi Gabbard Have Indian Roots?
Given her name and religious beliefs, many assume Tulsi Gabbard has Indian ancestry—but that’s actually not the case. She has no direct connection to India. However, her mother converted to Hinduism and gave her children Hindu names.
Gabbard herself practices Hinduism and made history as the first Hindu American Congresswoman. She comes from an American Samoan background but has embraced Hindu culture and values. Notably, when she was sworn into Congress, she took her oath on the Bhagavad Gita, a gesture that gained her admiration from Hindu communities worldwide.
Tulsi Gabbard’s appointment marks a bold and unconventional shift in the US intelligence leadership. As she steps into her new role, all eyes will be on how she navigates the complex world of national security under Trump’s administration.
