Former Hawaii congresswoman and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard moved one step closer to becoming the nation’s Director of National Intelligence (DNI) on Tuesday, as the Senate Intelligence Committee approved her nomination along party lines. The committee’s 8-7 vote in favor of Gabbard sets up a full Senate confirmation showdown, where she will need near-unanimous Republican support to secure the role.
Gabbard, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, was nominated by President Donald Trump to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Despite concerns from some Republicans, the committee’s GOP majority ultimately rallied behind her after weeks of lobbying from the White House, Vice President JD Vance, and Trump-aligned political operatives.
Key Senate Republicans Get on Board
Two Republican Intelligence Committee members, Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Todd Young (R-Ind.), were seen as potential obstacles to Gabbard’s nomination. However, both ultimately voted in her favor after receiving assurances about her stance on key national security issues.
Collins, a long-time advocate for intelligence reforms, said she was reassured by Gabbard’s intent to reduce the ODNI’s size and streamline intelligence operations. She also pointed to the nominee’s clear position against pardoning Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor who leaked classified surveillance programs.
Young, a former Marine Corps intelligence officer, credited Vice President Vance with securing written commitments from Gabbard regarding her approach to national security and whistleblower protections. “JD Vance played a critical role in making sure the administration knew that I required certain assurances before I could become a yes,” Young said.
Confirmation Uncertainty Ahead
While the Intelligence Committee’s recommendation increases Gabbard’s chances of confirmation, her path remains uncertain. If all Senate Democrats vote against her, she can only afford three Republican defections, with Vice President Vance available to break a 50-50 tie. Some Senate Republicans have privately expressed reservations about her past positions on surveillance, military intervention, and whistleblower protections.
During last week’s confirmation hearing, Gabbard faced tough questioning from both parties. She defended her 2020 opposition to Trump’s drone strike on Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and was pressed on her previous call for dropping charges against Snowden. Gabbard declined to label Snowden a “traitor” but acknowledged that he “broke the law” and promised to prevent similar intelligence leaks if confirmed.
Her views on warrantless wiretaps and her broader skepticism of government surveillance also drew scrutiny, raising concerns among intelligence hawks in both parties.
Trump Allies Pressure GOP Holdouts
Gabbard’s nomination has been met with an aggressive push from Trump allies, who have threatened primary challenges for any Republican senator considering opposition. The political pressure campaign underscores the former president’s continued influence over the GOP, particularly on national security appointments.
With a final floor vote expected soon, Gabbard’s confirmation will test the unity of Senate Republicans and the strength of Trump’s sway over the party. If confirmed, she would become the first Democrat to serve as DNI under a Republican president—an unconventional but strategic choice by Trump as he prepares for a potential second term.
What’s Next?
The full Senate vote is expected in the coming days. Gabbard’s fate now rests in the hands of a few undecided Republican senators, whose decisions could determine whether she becomes the nation’s top intelligence chief.
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