Gabbard meets Trump amid speculation on her cabinet prospects

Democrat Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu lawmaker in the US Congress, has met President-elect Donald Trump and discussed with him the fight against terrorism and other foreign policy issues amidst speculation that she is being considered as the American envoy to the UN.

Gabbard, 35, who was re-elected for her third consecutive term on November 8, was among the first politicians to meet Trump, who is a Republican, in New York yesterday. 

She has been a vocal critic of President Barack Obama on confronting the radical Islamic terrorism. “President-elect Trump asked me to meet with him about our current policies regarding Syria, our fight against terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS, as well as other foreign policy challenges we face,” she said hours after meeting Trump here. 

Amidst speculation that she is being considered for the position of US Ambassador to the UN, Gabbard defended the meeting as in favour of national interest. “Let me be clear, I will never allow partisanship to undermine our national security when the lives of countless people lay in the balance,” said the Congresswoman from Hawaii. The presidential transition team confirmed the meeting, but it did not respond to questions. 

“She obviously has a very distinguished track record. But it would be a little premature to start putting out specific potential administration positions,” said Jason Miller, communication director for Trump transition team.