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Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump is reportedly in talks with former Hawaii congresswoman and 2016 Democrat presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard on the future of the defense department.
The discussions were part of a broader conversation about how the defense department would be managed differently under a second term. Trump has reportedly told his advisers in recent months that one of his biggest mistakes was how the Pentagon was managed under his first term. Trump repeatedly clashed with defense and national intelligence officials, leading him to go through multiple defense secretaries and national security advisers during his four years in office.
Trump has met with Gabbard at least once in the last year, discussing military entaglements overseas and Trump’s frustrations with Republicans on foreign policy, The Washington Post has reported.
When asked to comment about her interactions with Trump, Gabbard wrote in an email that “Out of respect for people I talk to or meet with, I have a long-standing policy about disclosing who I meet with and what was/wasn’t discussed.”
Gabbard has been a vocal critic of sending resources to Ukraine in its war with Russia and has faced criticism from both parties over her approach but has been celebrated by Trump supporters.
“She appeals to Republicans who are skeptical of intervention overseas, which is now a majority of Republican voters,” Republican strategist Andrew Surabian said.
Gabbard is currently a United States Army Reserve officer and has made frequent appearances on Fox News in recent months. Gabbard has said in recent weeks that she would be open to serving as Trump’s VP if asked.