In a stunning turn of events, former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has been confirmed as the new Director of National Intelligence, marking a significant shift in U.S. intelligence leadership.
Quick Takes
- Senate confirms Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence in a 52-48 vote
- Gabbard’s confirmation highlights Trump’s continued influence over the GOP
- Concerns raised about Gabbard’s past stances on Russia, Syria, and Edward Snowden
- Gabbard promises to focus on core missions and streamline the intelligence office
- Appointment represents a departure from traditional intelligence leadership
A Controversial Confirmation
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as the new Director of National Intelligence in a narrow 52-48 vote, largely along party lines. This decision underscores the ongoing influence of former President Donald Trump within the Republican Party, as only Senator Mitch McConnell broke ranks to vote against her nomination.
Gabbard’s confirmation process was marked by intense scrutiny of her past actions and statements. Critics raised concerns about her 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, her comments about Russia, and her previous stance on government surveillance and Edward Snowden.
BREAKING: Tulsi Gabbard confirmed as Director of National Intelligence. pic.twitter.com/vVP5hjsOY0
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Shifting Positions and Alliances
During her confirmation hearing, Gabbard demonstrated a willingness to adapt her positions. She reversed her stance on pardoning Edward Snowden and softened her criticism of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act’s Section 702. These changes appeared to sway some senators who were initially hesitant about her nomination.
“Edward Snowden broke the law,” Gabbard stated, reversing her earlier support for pardoning the former NSA contractor.
Senator Susan Collins, who initially expressed reservations, ultimately supported Gabbard’s nomination. Collins cited their shared vision for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, particularly regarding reducing its size and scope. Senator Tom Cotton who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee was also crucial in persuading uncertain senators to support Gabbard.
“The Office of the Director of National Intelligence … has become far larger than it was designed to be, and Ms. Gabbard shares my vision of returning the agency to its intended size,” said Collins.
Opposition and Concerns
Despite the successful confirmation, Gabbard faced significant opposition, particularly from Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer voiced strong criticism, questioning her stance on national security and her views on adversaries like Vladimir Putin and Bashar Assad.
“Instead of speaking fact and truth, Ms. Gabbard repeatedly speaks the language of falsities and conspiracy theories,” said Schumer, encapsulating the Democrats’ apprehensions.
A New Era for U.S. Intelligence
As the new Director of National Intelligence, Gabbard will oversee 18 U.S. intelligence agencies and serve as a key advisor to the president on intelligence matters. Her appointment represents a significant departure from traditional intelligence leadership, reflecting the ongoing efforts to reshape the federal government at a time where Americans are highly skeptical of the intelligence agencies. Gabbard’s ability and openness to transform the intelligence agencies to align with President Trump’s vision will be a key component of determining her success.
Gabbard has promised to focus on the core missions of the intelligence office and streamline its operations. This approach, combined with her unique background as a military veteran and former Democratic congresswoman who switched to the Republican Party, sets the stage for a potentially transformative period in U.S. intelligence operations.
“Ms. Gabbard, I submit that, if confirmed, the measure of your success will largely depend on whether you can return the ODNI to its original size, scope, and mission,” Cotton said.
As Gabbard takes the helm of this critical national security role, all eyes will be on how she navigates the complex landscape of global intelligence and balances her past positions with the responsibilities of her new office. The coming months will likely reveal the true impact of this unconventional appointment on America’s intelligence community and its role in safeguarding national security.
