Who is Tulsi Gabbard, and what do we know about the controversial reputation of the leading candidate for the position of U.S. Director of National Intelligence?

Tulsi Gabbard is an American politician, Iraq War veteran, and the first Hindu in the U.S. Congress. Her nomination by Donald Trump for the position of Director of National Intelligence has sparked significant public interest.

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This information is reported by Main Post.

Career and Transition to the Republican Party

Born in 1981 in American Samoa, Gabbard represented Hawaii in Congress from 2013 to 2021. She was previously a member of the Democratic Party, but left in 2022 due to disagreements, including on the position regarding Ukraine, and joined the Republicans, endorsing Trump for the 2024 elections.

Key Scandals

1. Meeting with Bashar al-Assad

Her visit to Syria in 2017 drew criticism as many viewed it as support for the dictator.

2. Snowden and U.S. Security

During Senate hearings, Gabbard changed her stance, abandoning the idea of pardoning Edward Snowden, citing the importance of protecting national security.

3. Criticism of U.S. Foreign Policy

Gabbard criticized the elimination of Iranian General Soleimani and referred to aid to Ukraine as "the second Afghanistan."

Senate Voting

Nine out of 17 members of the relevant committee supported her candidacy, but the final decision rests with all senators.

If the Senate approves her, Gabbard will oversee 18 intelligence agencies with a budget of around $100 billion.

We also reported on whether Trump will halt arms supplies to Ukraine? What is known about recent delays and aid packages.