...
By Monica Sager and Gabe Whisnant
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Tulsi Gabbard has cleared the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee in a 9-8 vote on Tuesday and will now move forward to a full Senate vote to become the next Director of National Intelligence.
Why It Matters
Gabbard has faced an uphill battle since being tapped for DNI and was grilled last week by senators on both sides of the aisle about her views on Russia and Syria and whether she believed the former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden was a "traitor."
Read More on Politics
President Donald Trump's Cabinet nominees have succeeded so far in being confirmed by the full Senate. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was cleared earlier on Tuesday to face the full floor vote.
If Gabbard's nomination moves to a full Senate floor vote, she can only afford to lose up to three Republican votes, assuming all Democrats vote against her.
What To Know
Gabbard got her ninth vote from Senator Todd Young, who had announced on Tuesday his support for her nomination, giving her a clear path to reach a final floor vote and significantly boosting her chances of full confirmation.
Young, along with Republican Senator Susan Collins, who voiced her support for Gabbard on Monday night, had been regarded as a pivotal Republican swing vote on the Intelligence Committee regarding Gabbard's nomination.
On Tuesday, Young told Politico that he would back Gabbard after he "engaged in extensive conversations" with Vice President JD Vance.
...
"American intelligence officers around the globe deserve our respect and support. I appreciate Tulsi Gabbard's engagement with me on a variety of issues to ensure that our intelligence professionals will be supported and policymakers will receive unbiased information under her leadership," Young said in a statement to Politico.
Young also added that he "used the consultative process" and looked for commitments "that will advance our national security," which he called a "top priority" as a former Marine Corps intelligence officer.
"Having now secured these commitments, I will support Tulsi's nomination and look forward to working with her to protect our national security," Young posted to X, formerly Twitter.
Young had also posted a letter Gabbard sent him. She shared her commitment to "working to restore trust in the Intelligence Community and bring ODNI back to its original mission of keeping the nation safe."
She listed commitments she will uphold as Young asked of her. These included the commitment to hold any intelligence employee accountable, working to evaluate current laws and regulations, and not making recommendations in a "personal or professional capacity regarding the legal standing of Edward Snowden to the President of the United States or the Attorney General of the United States."
Other Republicans Voting For Gabbard
Other Republicans had voiced their hesitations around Gabbard's confirmation previously. They had questioned her mostly about her beliefs about Russia and whistleblower Edward Snowden.
On Monday, Collins, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a key swing vote, announced her support for Gabbard. Oklahoma Senator James Lankford was also viewed as a possible "no" but said last month that he would back Gabbard.
South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham backed Gabbard after voicing concerns about her.
HuffPost reporter Igor Bobic shared on Tuesday that Senator Jerry Moran will also now support Gabbard: "'Sen. Moran plans to vote yes on Tulsi Gabbard's nomination,' his spox tells me."
Moran had said in the original hearing with Gabbard that he wanted to "make certain that in no way does Russia get a pass in either your mind or your heart." Gabbard said she was "offended by the question."
What People Are Saying
Senator Susan Collins, in a statement to Newsweek: "After extensive consideration of her nomination, I will support Tulsi Gabbard to be the Director of National Intelligence. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, however, has become far larger than it was designed to be, and Ms. Gabbard shares my vision of returning the agency to its intended size."
Senator James Lankford, on X: "I'm glad to support @TulsiGabbard in her nomination for DNI. 702 is used to ensure the safety and security of Americans and to track terrorists before they are able to enter the United States. We are stopping attacks before they happen. I am pleased that Tulsi agrees with this position."
"702" refers to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which gives the U.S. authority to conduct warrantless surveillance of non-U.S. citizens abroad.
Senator Lindsey Graham, on X: "She demonstrated that she understands the importance of tools we need to protect our national security."
What Happens Next
The Senate Intelligence Committee is scheduled to vote on Gabbard's nomination today at 2 p.m. EST.
Update 2/4/25, 12 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 2/4/25, 2:44 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines