Tulsi Gabbard received a real-life Captain America shield upon her arrival at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), a gesture symbolising leadership, duty, and responsibility.
The newly confirmed DNI director was handed the Marvel-inspired memento to autograph, a sign that her presence has been warmly welcomed by those at the agency.
Gabbard, a 43-year-old US Army Reservist, was confirmed earlier this week in a 52-48 Senate vote, securing strong Republican backing. US President Donald Trump, who attended her swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office, praised her “fearless spirit” and commitment to national security. The ceremony was conducted by Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Following her confirmation, Gabbard pledged to focus on “ensuring the safety, security, and freedom of the American people,” while also echoing Trump’s concerns about political bias within the intelligence community. Senate Majority Leader John Thune hailed her as a “patriot” driven by service, while Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was the only Republican to vote against her, arguing that intelligence assessments must remain impartial.
As DNI, Gabbard will oversee 18 intelligence agencies and manage billions of dollars in budget allocations. Her appointment is seen as part of Trump’s broader effort to bring in leaders he believes will challenge Washington’s establishment. A military veteran, she ran for president as a Democrat in 2020 before leaving the party in 2022 and registering as an independent. Over time, she became a vocal Trump supporter, endorsing him ahead of the election and officially joining the Republican Party last October.
Beyond politics, Gabbard has been open about her faith and values. She frequently shares messages on Hindu holidays and has spoken about how the Bhagavad Gita influences her decisions. She has maintained a long-standing friendship with ISKCON, visiting temples in places such as Honolulu and New Delhi.
Her arrival at the DNI office, marked by the symbolic Captain America shield, reflects the expectations surrounding her leadership in one of the nation’s most critical security roles.
Social media users, especially on X, were quick to react to the gift. One user commented, “She is for sure one of the Avengers in this administration.”
Another wrote, “The USA’s very own superhero!”
“A badass moment for an amazing badass!” added another user.
