Many Donald Trump supporters have been holding their breath, awaiting word on whether or not one of his most popular surrogates on the campaign trail, former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, would get a role in his second administration. Well, that sound you’re hearing is a collective sigh of relief from many on the right at the news that Gabbard will serve as Trump’s party Director of National Intelligence (DNI).
– Posts by Donald J. Trump from his Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) November 13, 2024
In his announcement, Trump said of Gabbard:
I am pleased to announce that former Congresswoman, Lt. Col. Tulsi Gabbard, will serve as Director of National Intelligence (DNI). For over two decades, Tulsi has fought for our country and the freedoms of all Americans. As a former candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, she enjoys broad support in both parties – now she is a proud Republican! I know that Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our intelligence community by advocating for our constitutional rights and ensuring peace through strength. Tulsi will make us all proud!
Gabbard has long been a favorite of many on the right, dating back to her stunning performance in the 2019 Democratic presidential debate, in which she sharply criticized fellow candidate Kamala Harris for her weakness on crime. Here is one refreshing:
“I want to bring the conversation back to the broken criminal justice system that disproportionately negatively impacts black and brown people across the country today,” Gabbard began, hitting Harris from the left. “Senator Harris says she is proud of her accomplishments as a prosecutor and that she will be president of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. But I am deeply concerned about this record. There are too many examples to mention, but she put over 1,500 people in prison for marijuana violations and then laughed it off when asked if she had ever smoked marijuana.”
Gabbard has often appeared on the campaign trail with Donald Trump this presidential election cycle and made headlines in October when she announced she would officially become a Republican.
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The trend certainly seems to be for Donald Trump to reward loyalists with key policy positions in his fresh administration, and that includes the appointment of Tulsi Gabbard. It’s clear he will prioritize national security when he takes office, having already announced Tom Homan as border czar and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as Homeland Security director Rep. Mike Waltz (FL) appointed National Security Advisor.
Here’s something fresh about Gabbard role:
The Director of National Intelligence serves as the head of the U.S. intelligence community, oversees and directs the implementation of the National Intelligence Program, and serves as principal advisor to the President, the National Security Council, and the Homeland Security Council on intelligence matters related to national security. The President appoints the DNI with the advice and consent of the Senate.
This news follows Trump’s announcement that he would nominate Senator Marco Rubio of Florida as Secretary of State. Things are moving quickly, so check RedState’s pages regularly for the latest information on Trump’s appointments.
