Tulsi Gabbard Confirmed as Director of National Intelligence Amid Partisan Divide
The Senate confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as President Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence on Wednesday in a narrow 52-48 vote, largely along party lines. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii and a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve, will oversee 18 U.S. spy agencies and provide daily intelligence briefings to the president. Her confirmation marks a significant victory for the Trump administration, which faced skepticism over her controversial foreign policy views and past statements.
Gabbard’s nomination faced intense scrutiny during her confirmation process, particularly over her conciliatory approach toward Russia and Syria, her defense of Edward Snowden, and her questioning of U.S. intelligence findings. Despite these concerns, she secured the support of key Republican senators, including Susan Collins of Maine and Todd Young of Indiana, after making commitments to address their reservations. These included promises not to seek a pardon for Snowden, regular updates on her foreign travel, and collaboration on reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) urged Republicans to oppose Gabbard, citing her history of echoing Russian propaganda and embracing conspiracy theories. However, her nomination advanced with near-unanimous Republican support, except for Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who voted against her, calling her record “unworthy of the highest public trust.”
Gabbard’s confirmation underscores the deepening partisan divide in Congress and reflects the Trump administration’s push to reshape the intelligence community. She has vowed to consider cuts to her office as part of broader Republican efforts to reduce the size of the federal government. Her swearing-in ceremony at the White House was attended by President Trump, who praised her leadership and reiterated his commitment to working with Russian President Vladimir Putin on global issues.
The confirmation of Gabbard, one of Trump’s most divisive nominees, highlights the challenges of navigating bipartisan concerns while advancing the administration’s agenda in a closely divided Senate.
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The Senate confirmed Ms. Gabbard by a vote of 52 to 48 to the position, which has oversight of 18 spy agencies.
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