Inside Sen. Tom Cotton’s tireless campaign to advance Trump’s DNI pick Tulsi Gabbard

Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Tom Cotton played a crucial role in advancing Tulsi Gabbard’s controversial nomination to be Director of National Intelligence (DNI) through its first hurdle in the upper chamber this week. Despite initial concerns, Gabbard successfully made it out of the Intel Committee with all Republican members voting in her favor, thanks to Cotton’s efforts.

Cotton spearheaded a coordinated effort to secure Gabbard’s confirmation, setting up a makeshift Gabbard confirmation “war room” and enlisting the help of former rebel Democrat-turned-independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and former Intel Committee Chairman Sen. Richard Burr. The campaign involved close collaboration between Gabbard’s confirmation team, the White House’s legislative affairs team, and Vice President JD Vance.

The group provided assistance to Gabbard at every stage of the process, from preparing for questions submitted to the committee, addressing inquiries from lawmakers, and strategizing on a last-minute op-ed to address lingering concerns. Gabbard herself penned an op-ed in Newsweek following her hearing, explaining her stance on not labeling NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden as a traitor.

Cotton also advised the White House on effective strategies for securing crucial votes from senators and remained in constant communication with the administration throughout Gabbard’s nomination process. Sinema reached out to former colleagues, including Sens. Todd Young and Susan Collins, who ultimately voted to advance Gabbard despite initial hesitations.

Gabbard’s success in the committee vote signals a positive outlook for her final confirmation, as she managed to secure the support of several previously hesitant Senate Republicans. With a procedural vote in the full Senate on the horizon, Gabbard’s confirmation appears promising, thanks to the meticulous efforts of Cotton and his team.

Before Gabbard’s committee hearing, Cotton and other senators met with the nominee to address specific concerns raised by committee Republicans, ensuring she was well-prepared for the hearing. Moving forward, Gabbard will need to navigate a procedural vote in the full Senate before facing a final confirmation vote.

Overall, Cotton’s strategic approach and collaboration with key players in the Senate and the White House have paved the way for Gabbard’s advancement in the confirmation process. As the nomination progresses, Gabbard’s successful committee vote sets a positive precedent for her confirmation as DNI.