Donald Trump picks former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard as US intelligence chief

The President-elect called Gabbard, a former Congresswoman, a "proud Republican" and hoped that the 43-year-old, who had endorsed Trump in the November 5 polls, will bring "fearless spirit" as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI).

Announcing the appointment, Trump, who swept all swing states, said, "As a former candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both parties- she is now a proud Republican!

"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!"

Upon securing the job, Gabbard wrote on X, "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."

Who is Tulsi Gabbard?

Gabbard, a United States Army Reserve officer and a political commentator, served as US representative for Hawaii's second congressional district from 2013-2021.

She was the first Samoan-American member of Congress.

At the age of 21, Gabbard became the youngest woman to be elected to the Hawaii state legislature.

In 2020, she contested as a nominee in the Democratic presidential primaries. She left the Democratic Party in 2022.

Gabbard had cited her conflicts with the Democrats over war and military intervention as the main reasons behind her decision to quit.

She even had called the Democratic Party "elitist cabal of warmongers".

Gabbard, who is the first Hindu Congresswoman in the US, had condemned the persecution of Hindus and other minorities after the fall of Sheikh Hasina government earlier this year.

During her tenure, Gabbard had called out the Islamist terrorism. In 2015, she had criticised then US President Barack Obama for his alleged soft stand on Islamist terrorism.

After 2021, Gabbard took more conservative stands on issues like abortion, border security, transgender rights.

She even appeared on Fox News frequently as a stopgap to host a show.