Tulsi Gabbard, newly-appointed Trump's spy chief, served in US military for over two decades

Tulsi Gabbard, the newly appointed Director of National Intelligence (DNI), who was picked by US President-elect Donald Trump, has also served in the US military for over two decades.

The 43-year-old former Democratic Congresswoman has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades and was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait.

She also shared the moments during her time in the army on her social media platforms.

Gabbard shared a post on X in 2021 from her days in the army.

To my mom: I’m so grateful for your unconditional love, tireless support, and indomitable spirit. I love you!!! (This picture was from January 2006 when I came home from Iraq.) Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and mom-figures in your lives!! pic.twitter.com/nAxKwZbNeD — Tulsi Gabbard 🌺 (@TulsiGabbard) May 9, 2021

Another post was shared by Gabbard in the same year, when she was deployed to the Horn of Africa.

(1) This past Independence Day had special significance for me — while I was deployed to the Horn of Africa working as a Civil Affairs officer in support of a Special Operations mission to go after al-Qaeda affiliated jihadists, I was promoted… pic.twitter.com/x1T7I7HV3M — Tulsi Gabbard 🌺 (@TulsiGabbard) October 10, 2021

To my friends and fellow veterans, thank you for your service and sacrifice. The love you have for our country and our people shines through in your commitment to put service before self. Our nation’s leaders must learn from your example. #VeteransDay pic.twitter.com/ZjVvMLK8s5 — Tulsi Gabbard 🌺 (@TulsiGabbard) November 11, 2021

She is currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Reserve and is serving as Battalion Commander of the 1/354 Regiment in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Some say the birth of Memorial Day began in the wake of the Civil War when our nation was most divided. We can honor those who across generations paid the ultimate price by uniting around the values they gave their lives for: freedom, life, liberty & the pursuit of happiness. pic.twitter.com/K45gy8DwXS — Tulsi Gabbard 🌺 (@TulsiGabbard) May 30, 2022

Who is Tulsi Gabbard?

Tulsi was born in the US and is a former Democrat who has now turned into a Republican.

She is known for her outspoken anti-interventionist views and has been tapped to lead the US intelligence.

As per AFP, Gabbard’s journey to this appointment has been anything but conventional.

A Democrat-turned-Republican, she has built a reputation as an establishment sceptic, often at odds with both parties. Gabbard has spoken against US intelligence findings in the past, notably questioning presidents, including Trump, on reports like the one on chemical attacks in Syria, and has condemned what she views as America’s “regime change wars.”

Gabbard was first elected as a 21-year-old to Hawaii's House of Representatives but had to leave after one term when her National Guard unit was deployed to Iraq.

In 2020, Gabbard also ran for the presidential post against Kamala Harris and blamed her own party for not opposing wars.

Watch |Trump's Cabinet: Tulsi Gabbard Nominated As Director Of National Intelligence | US News

She argued that US wars in the Middle East had destabilised the region, making America less safe and costing thousands of lives.

Later, Gabbard dropped out of the race and endorsed President Joe Biden.

Earlier this year, she supported Donald Trump. She was seen appealing alongside Robert F Kennedy Junior, who challenged Biden for the Democratic nomination before transitioning to an independent bid and then ultimately endorsing Trump.

She even helped Trump prepare for his debate against Kamala Harris this year.

(With inputs from agencies)