Washington, USA – Former Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has been confirmed as the Director of National Intelligence, DNI, after a narrow 52-48 vote in the Senate on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
This development cements another major appointment in President Donald Trump’s administration.
Gabbard, a former Democratic representative and military veteran, will now oversee and coordinate the work of 18 U.S. intelligence agencies, marking a significant shift in leadership within the intelligence community.
Her confirmation comes despite bipartisan concerns over her past foreign policy stances, ties to Russia and Syria, and previous comments about intelligence whistleblower Edward Snowden.
Contentious Confirmation Process
Gabbard’s confirmation was met with sharp divisions among lawmakers.
Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, the former Senate Majority Leader, was the only member of his party to vote against her appointment, mirroring his opposition to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s confirmation earlier this year.
McConnell’s dissent underscores the ongoing internal GOP struggle over Trump’s cabinet selections.
McConnell was joined in opposition by Democratic lawmakers, many of whom questioned Gabbard’s lack of intelligence agency experience and her past foreign policy positions.
“It is an insult to people who have dedicated their lives and put themselves in harm’s way to have her confirmed into this position,” said Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), a former CIA analyst.
While some Republicans were initially skeptical, particularly due to Gabbard’s past meeting with former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and her perceived soft stance on Russia, Vice President J.D. Vance was reportedly instrumental in rallying support for her confirmation.
Senator Todd Young (R-IN), who was seen as a swing vote on the Senate Intelligence Committee, revealed that extensive discussions with Vance influenced his decision to back Gabbard.
“She has the right background, she has the right experience, and she has the right perspective to keep our nation safe and to keep it secure,” said Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-WY).
Gabbard’s Vision for U.S. Intelligence
In an op-ed published by Newsweek, Gabbard outlined her goals as Director of National Intelligence, pledging to reform the intelligence community and restore public trust.
“If confirmed, I will fulfill the President’s mandate from the American people to break this cycle of failure, end the weaponization and politicization of the intelligence community, and begin to restore trust in those who have been charged with the critical task of securing our nation,” Gabbard wrote.
Trump has long expressed skepticism toward the U.S. intelligence community, frequently clashing with agencies over foreign policy assessments and domestic security measures.
Gabbard’s appointment signals a continued effort by the administration to reshape the nation’s intelligence priorities.
Public Reaction and Next Steps
Despite the political controversy, Gabbard maintains a narrowly positive favorability rating among Americans.
A Gallup poll conducted in late January found that 28% of respondents viewed her favourably, compared to 27% unfavourably, while 46% had no opinion.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) questioned whether Gabbard was the right choice for the role, saying:
“Is Ms. Gabbard really who Republicans want leading intelligence agencies? I’ll bet not. Is she the best person we could find for the important position of Director of National Intelligence?”
Following Gabbard’s confirmation, attention now shifts to the next high-profile Senate vote on Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Kennedy’s nomination has also drawn considerable debate, setting up another closely watched confirmation battle.
Gabbard will now take over leadership of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), facing immediate challenges including ongoing global security threats, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and domestic intelligence reforms.
