On February 14, 2025, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard addressed intelligence colleagues at the Munich Security Conference. Her remarks as prepared for delivery are below.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard
Remarks As Prepared for Delivery
Munich Security Conference
Munich, Germany
February 14, 2025
Thank you for the kind introduction, Dr. Franke. Aloha, Grüß Gott, and good afternoon, it is a privilege to be here with you all today.
Just a little over 48 hours ago, I was sworn in by our Attorney General in the Oval Office with President Trump. I’m here to meet you because I value the importance of enduring relationships, along with my colleague Director Ratcliffe.
It’s a critical time to gather as we face complex threats. More than ever, we need strong intelligence and security partnerships as we work to ensure the freedom and security of our nations and their peoples, and work toward peace.
President Trump promised in his inaugural address that his proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker and unifier.
And just three weeks in, we are seeing the foundations of this legacy. Hostages are coming home. The President is focused on ending the killing and brutality in the war between Russia and Ukraine and preventing nuclear war. He continues to be focused on countering radical Islamist terrorism, the proliferation of drugs like fentanyl, and targeting those profiting from human trafficking. He designated cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to eliminate foreign gangs and criminal networks from our country. He is overhauling the trade system to recognize the principles of fair play and reciprocity, signaling America will insist on a level economic playing field.
President Trump’s policies are focused on "America First," but that should not be mistakenly perceived as “America alone.”
We recognize that a strong America is better positioned to lead, work with, and support our allies and partners around our shared interests of peace, security, and prosperity. As the President stated in his address at Davos, restoring common sense in America means bringing back strength, peace, and stability abroad.
Terrorism remains a persistent threat, requiring a coordinated global response. We must disrupt and destroy terrorist organizations by targeting their ideology, leadership, command structures, and financial networks. This effort necessitates close cooperation to share intelligence, coordinate law enforcement activities, and prevent the flow of funds to terrorist groups.
The challenges presented by Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea similarly demand a united front to advance the cause of peace, freedom, and prosperity. To deter aggression and maintain stability, we look forward to working closely with those who share those interests.
While I am new to this role, I have over two decades of experience with many of the challenges we face. Through my experience in the military and in the halls of the U.S. Congress, I know firsthand how essential accurate, unbiased, and timely intelligence is, the heavy cost of intelligence failures, and the importance of the relationships we have with all of you.
As Director of National Intelligence, I look forward to strengthening our relationships, allowing us to partner when it comes to exchanging critical information to counter threats and advance our mutual interests. I am focused on returning the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to its original mission, which is to keep the American people safe and deliver the most accurate and timely intelligence to the President, U.S. officials, our warfighters, and our allies.
I thank you again for the invitation to be here today and look forward to working together.
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