While attending the high-profile Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard praised President Donald Trump’s foreign policy approach, calling him a “President of peace” in the face of growing geopolitical threats from China. Gabbard’s remarks come as military tensions escalate in the Indo-Pacific region, with China conducting aggressive drills near Taiwan and ramping up its military posture.
Gabbard emphasized that the summit, attended by top defense officials and intelligence leaders from around the world, showcased a renewed global focus on diplomacy—something she directly credited to President Trump’s leadership. She pointed to his track record of avoiding entangling wars and prioritizing American strength through deterrence rather than conflict.
“There’s a genuine desire among world leaders for diplomacy to take the lead,” Gabbard said. “And under President Trump, the United States is showing that peace through strength isn’t just a slogan—it’s a strategy that works.”
In contrast to the previous administration’s approach, Gabbard warned that the era of open borders and weak enforcement allowed international criminal networks and cartels to thrive. She called the border crisis of the past four years a national security threat that had gone unaddressed for too long.
“President Trump inherited a situation that was spiraling out of control,” she said. “He’s rebuilding national security from the ground up—starting with the border and extending to our alliances abroad.”
While Chinese aggression remains a central concern, Gabbard noted that recent intelligence assessments suggest Beijing is not preparing for an imminent strike on Taiwan. However, she made clear that deterrence is essential, and that the Trump administration is actively working to fortify regional alliances and intelligence cooperation to counter Beijing’s ambitions.
Gabbard also stressed that China’s actions were discussed at the summit, but the broader agenda included strengthening counterterrorism cooperation and addressing transnational threats that have grown under weaker global leadership.
Her comments reflect a broader effort by the Trump administration to reestablish American credibility on the world stage—through strength, clarity, and commitment to peace.
As tensions rise in Asia, Gabbard’s praise highlights a defining contrast between Trump’s leadership and the indecision of the past. Where others wavered, she argues, Trump is leading with purpose—and the world is taking notice.