Former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard was confirmed on Wednesday by the United States Senate as President Donald Trump’s Director of National Intelligence (DNI).
According to Fox News, Gabbard was confirmed with a 52-48 vote in the Senate. The outlet noted that the former Democrat was confirmed along party lines with the exception of Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who joined Democrats in opposing Trump’s DNI nominee.
In a Wednesday press release, McConnell stated, “In my assessment, Tulsi Gabbard failed to demonstrate that she is prepared to assume this tremendous national trust. The nation should not have to worry that the intelligence assessments the President receives are tainted by a Director of National Intelligence with a history of alarming lapses in judgment.”
Fox News reported that Gabbard faced an uphill battle throughout the Senate confirmation process due to concerns from some senators regarding her controversial meeting with former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, her prior support of National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden, and her pattern of opposing Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Section 702, which allows the federal government to gather information through various surveillance tools.
Fox News reported that Gabbard received strong support from Vice President J.D. Vance and Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), who helped her receive the support of key Republican senators, such as Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) ahead of last week’s committee vote.
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During Trump’s announcement of Gabbard as his nominee for DNI, the 47th president gave a strong endorsement of the former Democrat, saying, “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! 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!”
According to Fox News, Gabbard’s confirmation on Wednesday marked Trump’s 14th cabinet member to be confirmed by the Senate.
Following Gabbard’s confirmation vote on Wednesday, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) released a video on social media celebrating her confirmation. In Mullin’s post, the Oklahoma senator said that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee for the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, was “next” as the Senate continues the confirmation process for Trump’s cabinet nominees.