President-elect Trump is currently considering nominees to lead the nation's intelligence community, with former Hawaii House Democrat Tulsi Gabbard and former Utah Republican House Rep. Chris Stewart emerging as potential contenders for the director of national intelligence role.
Gabbard, a veteran and active duty Army reservist, previously served as a Democrat in the House before joining the Republican Party and supporting Trump in his recent presidential campaign. She is now a co-chair of the Trump transition team and has expressed interest in joining a Trump administration to address issues such as ending the influence of the military industrial complex and preventing World War III.
Stewart, who resigned from the House in 2023 to care for his wife, is also in discussions with the transition team about the role. He co-founded a lobbying firm with Trump's former national security adviser, Robert O'Brien.
Gabbard has been critical of both Democrats and Republicans, advocating against U.S. involvement in the Middle East and condemning Trump's actions, such as the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. She has also met with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad during the country's civil war.
In Congress, Gabbard co-sponsored legislation to ban the first-time use of nuclear weapons and has been vocal about the need to avoid escalating tensions and conflicts. She has also raised concerns about being placed on a TSA watchlist for terrorists known as 'Quiet Skies,' which she believes has led to increased surveillance and monitoring of her activities.
The director of national intelligence plays a crucial role in advising the president and key national security councils on security matters. Any nominee for this position must undergo Senate confirmation or be appointed on an acting basis.
Trump recently appointed John Ratcliffe, his former director of national intelligence, to lead the CIA, further highlighting the importance of these key national security positions.
