Tulsi Gabbard, a former Hawaiian Congresswoman, recently made headlines by being nominated as the Director of National Intelligence under the Trump administration. Known for her progressive stance and anti-interventionist views, Gabbard’s nomination has been met with criticism due to her alleged ties to Russian propaganda and defence of authoritarian regimes like Syria under Bashar al-Assad.
Gabbard’s political journey has been marked by contradictions and controversies, from being a Bernie Sanders supporter to aligning with Trump’s populist rhetoric, leading many to view her as a political opportunist. Her background as a military veteran, vegetarian, Hindu, and athlete has made her a unique figure in US politics.
Criticism of Gabbard’s nomination stems from her lack of intelligence experience and her past questionable associations, including ties to India’s Hindu nationalist organizations. While Gabbard denies these allegations and defends her relationships with leaders like Modi, her shift in political ideologies from progressive Democrat to Trump ally has raised concerns about her motivations.
Despite Gabbard’s polarizing image, her appointment as DNI symbolizes a shift towards the right for the former Democrat, with many in Hawaii questioning her suitability for the role. Nonetheless, her inclusion in the Trump administration reflects a strategic move to have a representative with insights into Hawaii’s concerns, given its links to the defense establishment. Behind the controversies and contradictions, Gabbard’s journey remains a fascinating exploration of the complexities of US politics.
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Photo credit frontline.thehindu.com