Gabbard Confirmed By Senate
The Senate confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) on Wednesday, marking President Donald Trump’s 14th successful Cabinet appointment. The confirmation vote, which passed 52-48, followed party lines with one exception—former Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky opposed Gabbard’s nomination.
Gabbard, a former Democratic representative who later aligned with the Republican Party, faced initial resistance in the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. However, with strong backing from committee chairman Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Vice President JD Vance, she secured the necessary Republican votes to advance. Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Todd Young of Indiana, previously hesitant, ultimately supported her nomination.
Backstabbing RINO Mitch McConnell voted NO on Tulsi Gabbard.
Get out.
pic.twitter.com/a2EhW1uryr— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) February 12, 2025
Senate Democrats, led by Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner of Virginia, opposed Gabbard’s appointment. Warner argued that her past positions and judgment made her unfit for the role.
“We need leaders in the Intelligence Community who will stand up to short-sighted attempts to attack our workforce at the expense of our national security,” Warner said. “Unfortunately, I do not believe Ms. Gabbard is such a leader.”
Despite Democratic opposition, Gabbard cleared her final hurdle with a 52-46 vote on Monday, paving the way for her confirmation. Concerns about her past interactions with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, her stance on FISA Section 702 surveillance, and her support for NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden did not derail the nomination.
BREAKING: FETTERMAN VOTES “NO” ON TULSI
— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) February 12, 2025
President Trump formally announced Gabbard as his choice for DNI in November, shortly after winning the election. In a statement, he highlighted her military background and bipartisan appeal. “For over two decades, Tulsi has fought for our Country and the Freedoms of all Americans.
As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties—She is now a proud Republican!” Trump stated. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community, championing our Constitutional Rights, and securing Peace through Strength. Tulsi will make us all proud!”