Trump nominee Tulsi Gabbard confirmed following uphill Senate battle
President Donald Trump continued his successful Cabinet confirmation roll on Wednesday, with Tulsi Gabbard officially being approved by the Senate to become his director of national intelligence (DNI). This marked her as the 14th Cabinet confirmation following a 52-48 party-line vote, with the exception of former GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who opposed Gabbard.
Despite facing an uphill battle in the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, the former Democratic Rep. managed to rally key Republicans to support her bid to oversee the nation’s intelligence agencies. With the help of Chairman Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and Vice President JD Vance, Gabbard was able to convince crucial senators, including Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Todd Young, R-Ind., to back her in the committee vote.
The opposition from Vice Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va., and Democrats did not deter Gabbard’s success. Despite their impassioned plea against Trump’s DNI pick, Gabbard’s nomination advanced past its last obstacle on Monday evening with a party-line margin of 52-46.
Gabbard’s Senate comeback was achieved despite concerns surrounding her past meeting with former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, her previous stance on FISA Section 702, and her support for NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden. Nevertheless, Trump announced Gabbard’s selection for DNI in November, praising her as a fearless leader who will champion constitutional rights and secure peace through strength.
Gabbard notably left the Democratic Party and endorsed Trump in the 2024 election, solidifying her transition to a proud Republican. Her confirmation as DNI reflects a significant milestone in Trump’s Cabinet appointments and sets the stage for her to lead the nation’s intelligence community with integrity and dedication.
As President Trump continues to shape his administration, Gabbard’s confirmation signals a new era of leadership in national intelligence. With her background as a former Congresswoman and Lieutenant Colonel, Gabbard brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to serving the American people. The successful confirmation vote underscores her qualifications and readiness to take on this critical role in safeguarding the nation’s security.
Julia Johnson is a politics writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, leading coverage of the U.S. Senate. She was previously a politics reporter at the Washington Examiner. Follow Julia’s reporting on X at @JuliaaJohnson_ and send tips to Julia.Johnson@fox.com.
