President-elect Donald Trump appointed former Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence for his second administration in a Wednesday statement.

Gabbard, a former Hawaii congresswoman and member of the National Guard, left the Democratic party in 2022. In the 2024 election cycle, Gabbard endorsed Trump and became a surrogate on the campaign trail as she helped him with debate preparation. Trump wrote that Gabbard will bring a “fearless spirit” to the intelligence community to help secure “Peace through Strength.”

“I am pleased to announce that former Congresswoman, Lieutenant Colonel Tulsi Gabbard, will serve as Director of National Intelligence. For over two decades, Tulsi has fought for our Country and the Freedoms of all Americans,” Trump wrote.

“As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties – She is now a proud Republican! I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community, championing our Constitutional Rights, and securing Peace through Strength. Tulsi will make us all proud!” he continued.

President Donald J. Trump announces @TulsiGabbard as Director of National Intelligence pic.twitter.com/LNPQV3dwbR

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) November 13, 2024

Gabbard joined the Republican party shortly before Trump was elected to office for a second term. She previously served in the Army National Guard for more than twenty years in which she deployed to Iraq and Kuwait.

Thank you, @realDonaldTrump, 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. pic.twitter.com/YHhhzY0lNp

— Tulsi Gabbard 🌺 (@TulsiGabbard) November 13, 2024

“Thank you, [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,” Gabbard wrote on Twitter.