Former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard has spoken out about the "incredible mandate" delivered by the "American people" after President-elect Donald Trump nominated her to serve as Director of National Intelligence.

Gabbard, who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, has taken a hard rightward shift in recent years. In August, she endorsed Trump for president despite calling him “corrupt” and “unfit” for office just five years prior. Last month, with Trump at her side, she announced she was officially leaving the Democratic Party.