Trump nominates first woman of Pacific heritage for US cabinet

United States president-elect Donald Trump is selecting members for his cabinet to bolster his transition back to the White House.

One of his early nominations included American Sāmoan Tulsi Gabbard (Leloaloa, American Sāmoa) as Director of National Intelligence. Gabbard could be the first woman of Pacific heritage to hold a US cabinet position.

American Sāmoa’s Director of Political Status, Constitutional Review, and Federal Relations, Tapaau Dr Dan Aga said the nomination is a milestone and a source of pride for the unincorporated territory.

Dr Dan Aga [second from the left] says " Gabbard’s nomination is unconventional due to her lack of traditional intelligence experience." Photo/Facebook/American Samoa Political Status, Constitutional Review, & Federal Relations

“Her Pacific heritage and connection to the region are a source of inspiration for many, even as opinions on her political alignment may vary.

“Her achievement serves as an inspiring example for young women – and women of all ages – demonstrating that with determination and resilience, they can aspire to and achieve leadership roles that make a meaningful impact on the world stage.”

In an interview with Fox News, Gabbard expressed her appreciation.

“I am grateful and honoured to accept President Trump's offer to serve our country and support his objective to defend the safety, security, and freedom of the American people as the director of national intelligence.”

Watch full interview below.

A political switch

In 2013, Gabbard became the first American Sāmoan and Hindu woman elected into Congress representing Hawai’i, joining the Democratic Party.

She retired from Congress in 2021, following an unsuccessful bid for the 2020 US presidential election.

Gabbard left the Democratic Party in 2022 with a strongly worded post on social media.

"I can no longer remain in today's Democratic Party that is now under the complete control of an elitist cabal of warmongers driven by cowardly wokeness, who divide us by racializing every issue & stoke anti-white racism, actively work to undermine our God-given freedoms, are hostile to people of faith & spirituality, demonize the police & protect criminals at the expense of law-abiding Americans, believe in open borders, weaponize the national security state to go after political opponents, and above all, dragging us ever closer to nuclear war.”

In a statement, Trump acknowledged Gabbard’s ties to both parties in her new role.

“Tulsi has fought for our country and the freedoms of all Americans. As a former candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both parties.

“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.”

A powerful position

The US cabinet comprises 15 federal agencies, each headed by a Senate-confirmed secretary, alongside the vice president.

They advise the president and implement policies, with confirmations usually occurring after the January 20 inauguration for President-elect Donald Trump to the White House.

The role of the Director of National Intelligence is to oversee intelligence agencies and serve as the president’s chief advisor on national security.

Dr Aga said Gabbard’s nomination would be under the microscope, with previous actions and religious beliefs already under fire.

“Gabbard’s nomination is unconventional due to her lack of traditional intelligence experience.

“Her past interactions with controversial figures, including Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and her perceived sympathetic stance toward Russia have sparked criticism.”

US president-elect Donald Trump expressed pride in Gabbard. Photo/Instagram/Tulsi Gabbard

A Pacific voice in power

Dr Aga said Gabbard's role offered a unique opportunity to advocate for US-affiliated Pacific territories like Hawai’i, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Sāmoa, and could help strengthen the US presence in the Pacific.

“Gabbard’s ability to advocate for Pacific priorities while guiding national security will be critical to her success in this role.

“Her understanding of the region’s cultural, political, and strategic dynamics could shape US intelligence strategies in impactful ways.”

Dr Aga said Gabbard’s connection to the region could also promote more inclusive decision-making, respecting local sovereignty while pursuing shared security and economic goals, including investments in infrastructure and cybersecurity.

“Balancing US strategic interests with the autonomy of Pacific territories and addressing longstanding concerns about militarisation will require thoughtful diplomacy.”

Dr Aga had not met Gabbard personally, but worked with her father, Mike Gabbard, in the 1970s as a teacher.

Tulsi Gabbard’s life and political career in brief

Gabbard, 43, was born in America Sāmoa in 1981 and is the fourth out of five children.

Her father, Mike Gabbard, is of Sāmoan and European descent.

Her mother, Carol Porter Gabbard, was born in Indiana and grew up in Michigan.

Gabbard grew up in Hawaii and spent a year of her childhood in the Philippines.

In 2002, at just 21-years-old, Gabbard was successfully elected into the Hawaii House of Representatives. She was the first and youngest woman to be elected as a US representative.

Gabbard is also a US military veteran, having served in Iraq and Kuwait.