If confirmed by the US Senate Tulsi Gabbard will be the first person of Samoan ancestry to serve in the US cabinet.
President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Gabbard to be the next Director of National Intelligence.
The military veteran is the honorary co-chair of Trump’s transition team.
Gabbard 43 was born in American Samoa. She left the Democratic Party in 2022 after representing Hawaii in Congress for 8 years and running for the party’s 2020 presidential nomination. She was seen as an unusual ally with the Trump campaign emerging as an adviser during his prep with his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.
Trump said in a statement announcing his pick, “For over two decades, Tulsi has fought for our country and the freedoms of all Americans. As a former candidate for the democratic Presidential nomination, she has broad support in both parties. She is now a proud Republican.
Before the announcement, Gabbard said it would be an honor to serve in a Trump administration.
She posted today on social media, “Thank you President 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.”
