President Donald Trump maintained his momentum in securing Cabinet confirmations on Wednesday, with Tulsi Gabbard officially confirmed by the Senate to serve as his director of national intelligence (DNI).
Gabbard’s confirmation marked her as the 14th Cabinet member to be approved, following a 52-48 vote in the Senate. The vote was primarily along party lines, with the exception of former GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell from Kentucky, who voted against Gabbard.
Although Gabbard faced significant challenges, particularly during her initial Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearing, the former Democratic representative was able to secure key Republican support, allowing her to move forward in her bid to oversee the nation’s intelligence agencies.
Thanks to the coordinated efforts of Chairman Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and Vice President JD Vance, several senators who were initially hesitant about Gabbard changed their stance and voted in favor of her, including Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Todd Young of Indiana.
Her confirmation succeeded despite strong opposition from Vice Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va., and fellow Democrats, who were adamantly against Trump’s nominee. “We need leaders in the Intelligence Community and throughout government who are prepared to stand up to short-sighted attempts to attack our workforce at the expense of our national security. Unfortunately, I do not believe Ms. Gabbard is such a leader. Nor is she well-suited, by dint of experience or judgment, to serve as director of national intelligence,” Warner stated on the Senate floor on Monday.
However, Warner was unable to sway any Republican senators, and Gabbard’s nomination cleared its final obstacle Monday evening with a party-line vote of 52-46.
Her confirmation was achieved despite lingering concerns over her past meeting with former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, her stance on FISA Section 702, and her support for NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden.
Trump announced Gabbard as his DNI pick in November, shortly after his election victory. “I am pleased to announce that former Congresswoman, Lieutenant Colonel Tulsi Gabbard, will serve as Director of National Intelligence (DNI),” Trump said in a statement at the time.
“For over two decades, Tulsi has fought for our Country and the Freedoms of all Americans. As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties – She is now a proud Republican! I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community, championing our Constitutional Rights, and securing Peace through Strength. Tulsi will make us all proud!”
Notably, Gabbard left the Democratic Party and later endorsed Trump in the 2024 election.
{Matzav.com}