Senate Confirms Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence in Historic Vote
The U.S. Senate confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as the new Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in a 52-46 vote on Thursday, marking a notable chapter in her political journey. Gabbard, a former U.S. Representative from Hawaii, will be sworn in at the White House later today.
Gabbard’s confirmation was largely supported by Senate Republicans, with the exception of Sen. Mitch McConnell, who was the only member of his party to vote against her appointment. All Senate Democrats voted in opposition. Despite the partisan divide, the vote signals broad support for Gabbard’s approach to reshaping the intelligence community.
Earlier this week, Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski and Bill Cassidy publicly confirmed their support, ensuring Gabbard’s confirmation would move forward without significant delay. Both senators acknowledged concerns over some of Gabbard’s past stances, but said her focus on reform and oversight in national intelligence earned their confidence.
“I continue to have concerns about certain past positions, but I support her effort to streamline intelligence operations while maintaining national security and protecting civil liberties,” Murkowski said in a social media post.
Cassidy also voiced his trust in the nomination, stating, “President Trump chose Tulsi Gabbard to serve in this important role, and I support that decision.”
Gabbard served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2021. In 2022, she announced her departure from the Democratic Party and later aligned herself with the Republican Party. In recent years, she has been known for her independent stance on foreign policy and national defense.
In addition to Gabbard’s confirmation, the Senate is also moving forward with other high-profile nominations. One of the most watched is that of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is under consideration for the role of Secretary of Health and Human Services. The Senate held a preliminary vote earlier this week to advance his nomination, with a final decision expected soon.
After a series of lengthy hearings and private discussions, Senator Bill Cassidy confirmed he would vote in favor of Kennedy, citing shared goals in public health and wellness. “We’ve had honest conversations and found common ground on important health issues,” Cassidy said.
Senate Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo praised Kennedy’s commitment to healthcare reform and transparency. “He has long advocated for change in the way we approach chronic illness and patient care,” Crapo noted.
Kennedy reportedly answered over 900 questions from the committee, demonstrating his willingness to engage deeply with the issues facing the country’s healthcare system.
As both Gabbard and Kennedy prepare for potential new roles in government leadership, the Senate’s actions this week reflect a broader desire for reform and fresh perspectives in key federal agencies.