Tulsi Gabbard Confirmed as Trump’s Director of National Intelligence/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Senate confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence in a 52-48 vote, with Republicans uniting behind her despite initial concerns over her views on Russia, Syria, and Edward Snowden. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman and military veteran, lacks formal intelligence experience but pledged to streamline the office’s scope. Democrats opposed her nomination, questioning her qualifications and ability to stand up to Trump.
Gabbard’s Intelligence Appointment: Quick Look
- Senate Confirmation: Gabbard secured the role in a narrow 52-48 vote, with Sen. Mitch McConnell as the lone Republican dissenter.
- Republican Shift: GOP senators who initially resisted backed her after she promised to reform intelligence operations.
- Democratic Opposition: Lawmakers criticized her lack of intelligence experience and past controversial stances on Russia, Syria, and Snowden.
- Trump’s Reshaping of Intelligence Agencies: The administration is pushing for changes, including voluntary resignations at the CIA and concerns over cybersecurity access.
- Snowden & Syria Controversies: Gabbard previously praised Snowden’s revelations and met with Syrian leader Bashar Assad, raising concerns among critics.
Tulsi Gabbard Confirmed as Trump’s Director of National Intelligence
Deep Look: Senate Confirms Gabbard as Trump’s Director of National Intelligence
Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman and military veteran, has been confirmed as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) under President Donald Trump. The Senate narrowly approved her nomination on Wednesday in a 52-48 vote, with Republicans unifying behind her despite prior skepticism. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was the only GOP senator to oppose her confirmation.
Gabbard’s appointment to oversee the nation’s 18 intelligence agencies marks a highly unconventional choice, given her lack of formal intelligence experience and past positions that have drawn scrutiny. Critics cite her previous praise for government leaker Edward Snowden, her 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad, and statements echoing Russian narratives on Ukraine.
Republicans Fall in Line After Initial Hesitation
GOP senators who once questioned Gabbard’s suitability ultimately backed her, citing her commitment to narrowing the Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s (ODNI) scope and reinforcing its core mission—coordinating intelligence efforts and advising the president.
“While I continue to have concerns about certain positions she has previously taken, I appreciate her commitment to rein in the outsized scope of the agency,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who ultimately voted to confirm her.
Trump’s political influence and pressure from his supporters played a role in securing Republican backing. Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), who initially voiced concerns, reversed course after discussions with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a Trump ally. Musk had previously labeled Young a “deep-state puppet” in a social media post, which was later deleted after their conversation.
Democrats Sound the Alarm Over Intelligence Oversight
Democrats staunchly opposed Gabbard’s confirmation, arguing that her limited experience and controversial foreign policy views made her unfit for the job. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), a former CIA analyst, described the appointment as “an insult” to intelligence professionals who have dedicated their lives to national security.
Their concerns included:
- Lack of Intelligence Background: Gabbard has never worked in an intelligence agency or led a government department.
- Russia and Ukraine: She has echoed Kremlin narratives justifying Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- Edward Snowden: Gabbard once praised Snowden for exposing surveillance abuses, though she clarified during her confirmation hearing that he had “broken the law.”
- Meeting with Assad: Her 2017 visit to Syria’s then-leader Bashar Assad raised concerns about legitimizing a dictator accused of using chemical weapons.
Trump’s Intelligence Shake-Up Sparks Controversy
Gabbard’s confirmation comes amid Trump’s broader efforts to restructure the intelligence community. The CIA has initiated voluntary resignation programs for personnel, while cybersecurity experts have voiced concerns about Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency gaining access to sensitive intelligence databases.
The ODNI was established after the 9/11 attacks to address intelligence failures and improve coordination between agencies. However, Republicans have increasingly criticized the office, arguing it has become too large and politicized. Trump himself has long expressed skepticism toward U.S. intelligence agencies, often clashing with officials over their findings.
Snowden, Syria, and Surveillance Concerns
Gabbard faced sharp questioning during her confirmation hearing over her past stance on Snowden, the former NSA contractor who exposed mass government surveillance before fleeing to Russia. While Gabbard previously praised his disclosures, she clarified her position, stating:
“Edward Snowden broke the law,” she told senators, adding that while he revealed constitutional concerns, classified information must remain protected.
Another major controversy stemmed from her 2017 meeting with Assad, who was recently ousted following Syria’s prolonged civil war. At the time, Gabbard faced bipartisan criticism for engaging with the Syrian leader, particularly after she expressed skepticism about reports of his use of chemical weapons.
“I asked him tough questions about his own regime’s actions,” she later defended.
A Divisive Appointment With Lasting Implications
Gabbard’s confirmation solidifies Trump’s push to reshape the intelligence community, but her leadership will likely remain contentious. With concerns over cybersecurity, surveillance policies, and intelligence independence under her watch, her tenure as DNI will be closely scrutinized both domestically and by U.S. allies.
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