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Former Hawaii U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard was confirmed as director of national intelligence (DNI) in a 52-48 Senate vote on Wednesday, overcoming bipartisan opposition and securing a key role in the Trump administration. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman who later joined the Republican Party, will now oversee the vast U.S. intelligence community, managing a budget of over $100 billion and leading 18 intelligence organizations.
The confirmation vote largely followed party lines, with every Democrat and independent senator opposing Gabbard’s nomination. Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell was the only Republican to break ranks, voting against her confirmation despite advancing her nomination earlier in the week.
Gabbard Pledges to Restore Trust in Intelligence Community
Speaking at her White House swearing-in ceremony, Gabbard thanked President Donald Trump for entrusting her with the role. She acknowledged public skepticism toward the intelligence community and vowed to refocus its mission.
“Unfortunately, the American people have very little trust in the intelligence community, largely because they’ve seen the weaponization and politicization of an entity that is supposed to be purely focused on ensuring our national security,” Gabbard said. “I look forward to being able to help fulfill that mandate… by empowering the great patriots who have chosen to serve our country in this way.”
Gabbard’s nomination was controversial from the outset, with lawmakers from both parties raising concerns over her foreign policy positions and past interactions with world leaders, including her 2017 meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Critics also accused her of amplifying Russian propaganda, allegations she strongly denied during her confirmation hearing in January.
Senate Democrats Warn Against Gabbard’s Appointment
Ahead of the vote, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) delivered a forceful rebuke of Gabbard’s confirmation, arguing she could not be trusted with the nation’s most sensitive intelligence.
“Every Democrat will oppose this awful nomination because we simply cannot, in good conscience, trust our most classified secrets to someone who echoes Russian propaganda and falls for conspiracy theories,” Schumer said.
Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, also expressed deep concerns about Gabbard’s qualifications.
“I’m profoundly worried that she lacks the qualifications or judgment to be director of national intelligence,” Warner said on the Senate floor.
Despite the opposition, Gabbard’s nomination advanced with unanimous support from Senate Republicans, except for McConnell. A procedural vote earlier in the week saw her advance 52-46, with North Carolina GOP Sen. Thom Tillis and Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman not participating.
What’s Next for Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence?
As the nation’s top intelligence official, Gabbard will be responsible for advising the president on national security matters, coordinating intelligence operations across multiple agencies, and overseeing efforts to counter foreign threats.
During her confirmation hearing, she emphasized her commitment to depoliticizing the intelligence community and focusing on national security over partisan concerns.
Her appointment signals a shift in the Trump administration’s intelligence priorities, and it remains to be seen how she will navigate both internal skepticism and external challenges in her new role.
