Tulsi Gabbard Confirmed As Director Of National Intelligence By Senate

On Wednesday, the Senate, led by Republicans, confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as the new director of national intelligence for President Donald Trump's second term. Despite a unified opposition from Democrats and independent senators, Gabbard, who had previously served in the House from Hawaii and as a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, managed to sway some Republican skeptics. 

The vote, delayed by a snowstorm in Washington, D.C., was close at 52-48, primarily following party lines. The Republican vote against her was from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell from Kentucky. 

Gabbard, a combat veteran and 2020 presidential hopeful, left the Democratic Party in 2022. Trump announced her nomination in November following her endorsement of his 2024 campaign and her role in his transition team. Trump praised her service and transition to the Republican Party, highlighting her commitment to American freedoms and constitutional rights.

During her confirmation hearing, Gabbard spoke about depoliticizing intelligence agencies and restoring public trust in national security. She also addressed criticisms labeling her and Trump as puppets, asserting her independence from political manipulation.

To secure her nomination, Gabbard had to address concerns from some Republicans regarding her perspectives on international leaders like Vladimir Putin and Bashar al-Assad and her views on whistleblower Edward Snowden. 

The Senate Intelligence Committee approved her nomination with a narrow 9-8 vote, with Senators Susan Collins from Maine and Todd Young from Indiana joining the majority. Senators Lisa Murkowski from Alaska and Bill Cassidy from Louisiana, who had initially withheld support, later confirmed they would vote in favor after the filibuster was broken.

Murkowski expressed her support on social media, acknowledging Gabbard's commitment to oversee the intelligence community while protecting civil liberties. However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Gabbard, accusing her of promoting conspiracy theories and lacking the qualifications for such a role.

Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania, who had previously shown some flexibility with Trump's nominees, announced he would vote against Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's pick for Health and Human Services.

The confirmation process for Trump's Cabinet has been slow. Democrats are using various strategies to delay votes, including Kash Patel's nomination for FBI director and the now-confirmed Pam Bondi for Attorney General. The Senate is expected to vote soon on Kennedy's nomination.