ISLAMABAD: Tulsi Gabbard has been sworn in as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in a ceremony at the Oval Office, with President Trump in attendance, following her confirmation by the US Senate. The Senate voted 52 to 48, largely along party lines, to confirm Gabbard for the pivotal role overseeing the 18-agency intelligence community and advising Trump on intelligence matters.
The confirmation marks another win for Trump as he pushes for swift Senate approval of his administration’s nominees. Following Gabbard’s confirmation, Senate Republican Majority Leader John Thune scheduled a procedural vote on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Gabbard, 43, a former Democrat, faced bipartisan scrutiny over past statements perceived as sympathetic toward US adversaries and her lack of direct intelligence experience. She had never worked at a spy agency or served on an intelligence committee during her four terms in the House of Representatives.
As DNI, Gabbard will now oversee the agency created post-9/11 to coordinate the United States’ extensive intelligence apparatus—one of the most critical national security roles in the government. Emily Harding of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies noted the DNI’s significant access to classified information and responsibility as the president’s main intelligence adviser.
Trump’s nomination of Gabbard in November raised concerns within the national security establishment, particularly regarding the politicization of intelligence efforts during a second Trump term. Her past defense of figures like former NSA contractor Edward Snowden and her views on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Syria have drawn criticism. Gabbard faced intense questioning from senators about her past positions during her confirmation hearing, notably regarding Snowden, whom she refused to label a traitor.
In response to Republican concerns, Trump and his ally Elon Musk put pressure on Senate Republicans to back Gabbard, with Musk threatening to support primary challengers against those obstructing the nomination. Despite some reservations, Senator Todd Young, a member of the Intelligence Committee, expressed support for Gabbard, citing her assurances to support intelligence professionals and provide unbiased information.
Gabbard’s supporters have lauded her commitment to streamlining the DNI office, in line with Trump’s broader push to cut government spending and close agencies. While previous DNI nominees enjoyed broad bipartisan backing, Gabbard’s appointment has been controversial due to her lack of intelligence experience and past political affiliations.
Moving forward, Gabbard faces the challenge of maintaining trust with US allies while navigating global security challenges, as Trump continues his aggressive foreign policy stance.
