Tulsi Gabbard on short list of candidates for director of national intelligence job

President-elect Trump is gearing up to choose his nominee to lead the nation’s intelligence community, with reports suggesting that he may be considering a former Democrat for the role. Tulsi Gabbard, a former Hawaii House Democrat, is among the contenders for the position of director of national intelligence, according to multiple sources who spoke to Fox News Digital.

Another name that has surfaced in discussions about the role is former Utah Republican House Rep. Chris Stewart. Stewart, who left the House in 2023 to be with his wife during her health issues, is said to be in “active discussions” with the transition team about the position. He co-founded a lobbying firm, Skyline Capitol, with Trump’s former national security adviser, Robert O’Brien, who is also rumored to be under consideration for a role in the administration.

Gabbard, a veteran and active duty Army reservist, served in the House as a Democrat from 2013 to 2021 before switching parties and campaigning for Trump in his recent presidential race. She currently serves as a co-chair of the Trump transition team. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Gabbard expressed her willingness to join a Trump administration and outlined her priorities, which include ending the influence of the military industrial complex, preventing World War III, and steering the U.S. away from the brink of nuclear war.

While Gabbard has been critical of both Democrats and Republicans, she has particularly focused on issues related to U.S. involvement in the Middle East. She has also been vocal about her opposition to censorship and her advocacy for freedom. Gabbard’s controversial meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in 2017 during the Syrian civil war raised eyebrows, as did her stance against arming Syrian rebel groups.

Despite her willingness to serve in a Trump administration, Gabbard has faced challenges, including being placed on a TSA watchlist for terrorists known as “Quiet Skies.” The program, which involves federal air marshals tracking U.S. citizens to prevent potential threats, has led Gabbard to express concerns about government surveillance.

In Congress, Gabbard has co-sponsored legislation aimed at banning the first-time use of nuclear weapons and has consistently spoken out against politicians who promote war and escalate tensions. As a Fox News contributor, Gabbard has a platform to share her views on national security and foreign policy issues.

Meanwhile, Trump recently appointed John Ratcliffe, his former director of national intelligence, to lead the CIA. The director of national intelligence plays a crucial role in advising the president, National Security Council, and Homeland Security Council on national security matters, requiring confirmation by the Senate or appointment on an acting basis.

As Trump finalizes his decision on who will lead the nation’s intelligence community, the potential selection of Gabbard or Stewart could bring a fresh perspective to the role and shape the administration’s approach to national security and intelligence issues.