WASHINGTON: The US Senate confirmed former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence on Wednesday with a narrow 52-48 vote. Despite her controversial nomination process, which saw her struggle to gain Republican support due to her lack of intelligence experience, the Republican-led majority backed her confirmation. However, former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell joined Democrats in voting against her.
Bumpy Nomination Process
Gabbard’s confirmation faced significant hurdles, particularly with concerns over her lack of experience in intelligence. Her nomination process seemed at risk of losing crucial Republican votes, but she cleared a significant barrier on Monday when Senate Republicans united to invoke cloture, a procedural step to advance toward a final vote. This set off a 30-hour debate, during which Democrats voiced their opposition to Trump’s policies and nominees, delaying t
Confirmation and Future Votes
With Gabbard’s confirmation, Senate Republicans are now expected to invoke cloture on another Trump nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for Health Secretary, with a final vote expected early Thursday.
Gabbard’s Role and Challenges
As Director of National Intelligence, Gabbard will manage 18 intelligence agencies and oversee a substantial budget. During her Senate Intelligence Committee hearing in January, she faced intense questioning about her past comments regarding whistleblower Edward Snowden and her controversial ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Despite a tense exchange on whether she viewed Snowden as a traitor, Gabbard’s answers, particularly her reluctance to give a direct response, raised concerns among some Republicans. However, this did not prevent her confirmation, and she passed the committee vote along party lines.
From Presidential Candidate to Trump Supporter
After a failed bid for the presidency in 2020, Gabbard became one of Trump’s most vocal supporters. In 2022, she left the Democratic Party, registered as an independent, and became a Fox News contributor. Her outspoken support for Trump led her to officially join the Republican Party in October.
he full chamber vote until the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Key Points
- Gabbard confirmed as Director of National Intelligence in a 52-48 Senate vote.
- Senate Republicans mostly supported her nomination, though McConnell opposed it.
- Gabbard will oversee 18 intelligence agencies, including the CIA, FBI, and NSA, and manage a $70bn budget.
- Her confirmation marks a victory for Trump as the Senate moves swiftly to confirm his remaining nominees.
Tulsi Gabbard’s confirmation as Director of National Intelligence, despite a contentious nomination process, underscores the swift pace at which the Senate is confirming Trump’s remaining nominees. As she assumes control over the US intelligence community, Gabbard’s past political affiliations and controversial views will continue to be a subject of scrutiny.
