Trump DNI pick Tulsi Gabbard clears last hurdle, heads for final confirmation vote

President Donald Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Tulsi Gabbard, has cleared her final procedural hurdle on Monday evening, setting the stage for a final confirmation vote later this week. The motion passed by a vote of 52-46, strictly along party lines. Despite initially being considered a vulnerable pick, the former Democratic congresswoman successfully navigated past another crucial vote, defeating the legislative filibuster’s threshold on nominations.

Gabbard’s confirmation process has been a rollercoaster ride, with last week’s Senate Select Committee on Intelligence vote hanging in the balance due to lingering concerns from a handful of senators. However, with a calculated effort led by Senator Tom Cotton, Gabbard managed to secure the support needed to move forward.

Republicans have shown confidence in Gabbard’s confirmation, scheduling the final vote while Vice President JD Vance is away in Europe. Vance, who had to break a tie to confirm Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is not around to potentially tip the scales in the upper chamber. The final confirmation vote is set for Wednesday, with Democrats expected to utilize the full 30 hours of post-cloture time for debate.

Gabbard’s advancement out of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence was bolstered by crucial support from GOP Senators Susan Collins and Todd Young. In the final vote, Gabbard can afford to lose only three Republican votes, assuming she receives no Democratic support. Collins’ endorsement of Gabbard gives her an edge over Hegseth, as the senator was among the few who voted against his confirmation.

As the confirmation process nears its conclusion, all eyes are on the Senate floor for the final vote on Gabbard’s nomination. The outcome will have significant implications for the intelligence community and national security efforts moving forward. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

Julia Johnson, a seasoned politics writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, is at the forefront of the coverage of the U.S. Senate. With a background as a politics reporter at the Washington Examiner, Julia brings a wealth of experience and insight to her reporting. Follow Julia’s coverage on Twitter at @JuliaaJohnson_ and send any tips or feedback to Julia.Johnson@fox.com.