Is Tulsi Gabbard, First US Hindu Lawmaker Appointed As Intelligence Director In Trump 2.0 Of Indian Origin?
New Delhi: Former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard, picked by US President-elect Donald Trump as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) is not of Indian origin as her name suggests. She will be the first Hindu Congresswoman who will sit atop the US spy agencies and will act as Trump’s intelligence advisor.
Tulsi Gabbard, often mistaken for having Indian roots because of her first name, has no direct links with India. Her mother, converted to Hinduism, gave her children Hindu names, and Gabbard herself identifies as Hindu. She made history as the first Hindu member of the US Congress. Of American Samoan descent, Gabbard took her congressional oath with her hand on the Bhagavad Gita.
On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said that Tulsi Gabbard is a “proud Republican” who can bring her “fearless spirit” into the intelligence community. “As a former candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, she has broad support in both parties. She is now a proud Republican!” he added.
Expressing gratitude for selecting her for the role, Gabbard on her official X handle said, “Thank you, Donald Trump, 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.”