Tulsi Gabbard, known for being one of President Trump’s more divisive cabinet nominations, has secured her position as Director of National Intelligence. The Senate confirmed her by a slim margin, with a 52-48 vote led by Republicans.
Former Senate Leader and Neocon, Mitch McConnell, a prominent Republican, sided with Democrats in opposing her nomination.
Tulsi Gabbard’s journey to confirmation was turbulent, with concerns about her inexperience in intelligence circles threatening her support among Republicans. Nevertheless, her appointment marks a win for Trump as the Senate is keen to approve the rest of his cabinet.
Earlier in the week, Senate Republicans managed to advance her nomination by invoking cloture, a step that paved the way for a final vote.
This tactic triggered up to 30 hours of debate, which Democrats used to express their displeasure with Trump’s picks and policies. As a result, the final confirmation vote took place early Wednesday.
Tulsi Gabbard to oversee CIA, FBI, and NSA
Following her approval, Republicans are expected to push forward with the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for health secretary, with a vote slated for early Thursday.
As the new Director, Tulsi Gabbard will oversee key intelligence agencies like the CIA, FBI, and NSA, managing a budget exceeding $70 billion. Trump chose the military veteran for her “fearless spirit,” aligning with his preference for disruptive figures in his team.
Despite this, Gabbard remains a contentious choice, having drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle. McConnell, in particular, voiced doubts about her qualifications, expressing concern over her ability to provide reliable intelligence assessments.
Tulsi Gabbard faced intense scrutiny during her confirmation hearing, especially regarding her past comments on Edward Snowden and her views on surveillance and foreign leaders. Her refusal to directly answer if she thought Snowden was a traitor caused unease among some Republicans. Still, she managed to pass the committee vote along party lines.
After an unsuccessful presidential bid in 2020, Gabbard emerged as a vocal Trump supporter. She left the Democratic Party in 2022, registered as an independent, and later joined the Republican Party. Her support for Trump became evident when she endorsed him before the election and became a Fox News contributor.
The Senate, dominated by Republicans, is swiftly working to confirm all of Trump’s cabinet nominees. Kennedy’s nomination also faces challenges, with mixed reactions due to his controversial views on vaccines and abortion.
