President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic Congresswoman and presidential candidate, as the new Director of National Intelligence. This appointment adds Gabbard, a former Democrat-turned-Republican and ardent Trump supporter, to a Cabinet increasingly composed of the President-elect’s loyalists and allies. Trump’s latest picks signal his preference for close supporters over traditional intelligence or diplomatic veterans, marking a distinctive approach in his second administration.
Tulsi Gabbard, a military veteran with over two decades of service in the Army National Guard, including deployments to Iraq and Kuwait, has established a reputation as a maverick politician with crossover appeal. Once a Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii, she garnered a dedicated following during her bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020. Although she did not win the nomination, her campaign set her apart as an anti-establishment figure, outspoken on foreign policy issues, and critical of what she has called “endless wars.”
Trump lauded Gabbard’s qualities in a statement, saying, “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!” The Associated Press reported. Gabbard’s lack of direct experience in the intelligence community, aside from her time on the Homeland Security Committee, is likely to raise questions among intelligence experts. Her predecessor, Avril Haines, brought a deep resume from various intelligence roles before her appointment in 2021.
Gabbard’s unique political journey and alignment with some of Trump’s foreign policy views helped her become a visible surrogate for his campaign during the final months leading up to the election. Known for her passionate speeches and sharp critiques of “regime-change wars,” Gabbard’s views have resonated with portions of both the right and the left. Her support for Trump, and now her move to the Director of National Intelligence position, exemplifies Trump’s preference for loyal allies in high-profile roles.
As a member of Congress, Gabbard often took nontraditional stances, clashing with her Democratic colleagues over issues like military interventions and civil liberties. Her position on the Foreign Affairs Committee gave her a platform to voice her opposition to U.S. involvement in conflicts she viewed as detrimental to national security and global stability. Her new role as the nation’s top intelligence official could bring significant shifts in intelligence priorities, potentially aligning them with her and Trump’s broader perspectives on national sovereignty and military restraint.
Alongside Gabbard, Trump has selected Senator Marco Rubio of Florida for the role of Secretary of State. Rubio, once one of Trump’s fiercest critics, has transformed into a loyal defender. A leading voice on foreign policy in Congress, Rubio’s hardline positions on China, Cuba, and Iran dovetail with Trump’s priorities for a more confrontational approach on the global stage. Trump praised Rubio’s qualifications, saying, “He will be a strong advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our allies, and a fearless warrior who will never back down to our adversaries.”
Rubio, the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has been vocal about security concerns regarding China and TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance. He has championed bipartisan legislation that would require ByteDance to sell TikTok to avoid a potential ban in the United States. Rubio’s stance reflects a robust commitment to curtailing Chinese influence, aligning with the “America First” doctrine Trump has espoused since his first campaign.
The relationship between Trump and Rubio has been turbulent. During the 2016 Republican primary, their rivalry was bitter, with Rubio labeling Trump a “con artist” and “the most vulgar person to ever aspire to the presidency.” Trump, in turn, branded Rubio as “little Marco.” However, in a political landscape transformed by Trump’s influence on the GOP, Rubio shifted his tone, downplaying past criticisms as campaign bluster.
Now, with his potential role as Secretary of State, Rubio is expected to play a key part in executing Trump’s foreign policy agenda. His recent advocacy for military involvement in immigration enforcement and his support for hardline measures against illegal immigration align with Trump’s second-term priorities.
In addition to Gabbard and Rubio, Trump’s recent Cabinet selections reveal a strategy of elevating longtime supporters and allies to powerful roles. Notably:
- Dan Scavino has been appointed to a high-ranking position without a specific portfolio, signaling his continued influence in Trump’s inner circle. Known for his social media skills, Scavino played a significant role in shaping Trump’s online presence during both his 2016 and 2020 campaigns.
- James Blair, Trump’s campaign political director, has been named as a deputy overseeing legislative and public affairs. Blair has deep roots in the Republican National Committee and has been a trusted advisor on Trump’s political strategy.
- Taylor Budowich, a communications strategist for Trump’s campaign and spokesperson for Save America PAC, will serve as deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel.
- Stephen Miller returns to the administration as deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security advisor. Known for his strict immigration policies during Trump’s first term, Miller will likely bring his hawkish views on immigration to the forefront once again.
Each of these appointments underscores Trump’s preference for loyalists over traditional policymakers, indicating a second term likely characterized by continuity in Trump’s established priorities rather than a shift toward broader bipartisan appeal.
The combination of Gabbard’s anti-interventionist stance and Rubio’s hawkish approach to China signals a dual focus in Trump’s foreign policy. While Rubio’s history of tough rhetoric on China suggests an intensification of Trump’s efforts to counter Chinese influence, Gabbard’s stance on non-interventionism may temper potential engagements in new foreign conflicts. Together, they could introduce a nuanced, if unpredictable, approach to U.S. involvement abroad.
Analysts speculate that the Rubio-Gabbard dynamic might foster a hybrid approach to foreign policy, combining Rubio’s proactive stance on global issues with Gabbard’s caution against U.S. entanglement in costly interventions. Rubio’s assertive advocacy for democracy promotion, particularly in Latin America, and Gabbard’s skepticism of U.S.-led regime change efforts could lead to debates within Trump’s national security team over how to address emerging global crises.
Reaction to these high-profile appointments has been sharply divided along partisan lines. Democrats have voiced concerns about the lack of experience in the intelligence community for Gabbard and the potential for Rubio’s rhetoric to inflame international tensions. Some have also raised questions about Gabbard’s swift switch in political affiliation and alignment with Trump’s policies.
Rubio’s Democratic counterpart on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Chairman Mark Warner, offered measured praise, noting Rubio’s intelligence and talent. However, many Democratic lawmakers and some moderate Republicans may scrutinize these appointments during Senate confirmation hearings, especially given Rubio’s high-profile shifts in policy stance to align with Trump’s agenda.
