Tulsi Gabbard Confirmed as President Trump’s DNI

The U.S. Senate confirmed Tulsi Gabbard to be President Trump’s director of national intelligence (DNI) by a 52 to 48 vote, Wednesday. She will be sworn in later today at a White House ceremony.

The Trump White House released a statement touting Gabbard’s confirmation following the vote.

“Tulsi Gabbard’s confirmation as Director of National Intelligence highlights President Trump’s commitment to safeguarding America’s security and ensuring intelligence operations remain focused on protecting our nation and the American people,” the White house stated. “America is BACK!”

 

As Trump’s DNI, Gabbard will manage the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) and advise the president on national security. As a former Democrat congresswoman from Hawaii and current Lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, she brings both legislative and military experience to the table.

She served in the House of Representatives from 2013 to 2021 and was vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) from 2013 to 2016. Since leaving the House in January, 2021, Gabbard has become more conservative on a number of issues, including abortion, foreign policy, transgender rights, and border security.

Gabbard has been recognized for her service in the Hawaii Army National Guard, which she joined in 2003. Her service includes deployments to Iraq from 2004 to 2005, where she served in a medical unit, and Kuwait from 2008 to 2009, where she served as an Army Military Police platoon leader.

Gabbard was confirmed with key votes from Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Curtis (R-Utah), all of whom had expressed concerns with her nomination.

Former Senate Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) voted against Gabbard’s nomination to serve as director of national intelligence.

McConnell was also a no vote on Pete Hegseth’s confirmation for defense secretary, although Hegseth was ultimately confirmed by the Senate.

Senators are expected to vote on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to head the Department of Health and Human Services Thursday morning.

Update:

Tulsi Gabbard is sworn in as Director of National Intelligence by Attorney General Pan Bondi at a White House ceremony, Wednesday afternoon: