Former US Representative Tulsi Gabbard is expected to be confirmed as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) by early Wednesday, as Senate Republicans rally behind her nomination despite concerns over her intelligence credentials.
The Senate voted 52-46 on Monday to advance Gabbard’s nomination, setting up a final confirmation vote. If approved, she will oversee the US intelligence community, marking another victory for President Donald Trump in securing swift confirmations for his nominees. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has already lined up a vote on Robert F. Kennedy Jr. immediately following Gabbard’s confirmation.
Gabbard, 43, has drawn bipartisan scrutiny over past remarks that appeared sympathetic to US adversaries, including Russia and Syria. Critics questioned her limited intelligence experience and her 2017 visit to then-Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. She also previously defended NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, who leaked classified documents before seeking asylum in Russia.
Despite initial Republican hesitations, Gabbard gained support after intense lobbying from Trump and billionaire ally Elon Musk, who warned of political consequences for any GOP senator opposing her. Intelligence Committee member Senator Todd Young, initially skeptical, ultimately backed her nomination after she assured him she would provide unbiased intelligence assessments.
Gabbard has pledged to scale back the DNI’s office, aligning with Trump’s broader efforts to downsize federal agencies. Her confirmation would mark a departure from past DNIs, who have typically been seasoned intelligence professionals.
As she assumes the role, Gabbard will face the challenge of reassuring US allies while navigating Trump’s aggressive foreign policy agenda. National security experts emphasize the importance of maintaining intelligence capabilities amid global threats, warning against excessive budget cuts.
