Former U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard has moved a step closer to becoming the next director of national intelligence (DNI) after her nomination passed the Senate Intelligence Committee vote. The vote was a close 9-8, with party lines largely determining the outcome.
Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) expressed optimism after the vote, saying, “The Intelligence Committee just voted for Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination to be the Director of National Intelligence favourably to the full United States Senate. We look forward to her confirmation and working with her to keep America safe,” as reported by The Hill.
The committee vote came just hours after Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), a key swing vote, announced his support for Gabbard’s nomination. In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Young praised Gabbard for her engagement on national security matters, stating, “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, a former Marine Corps intelligence officer, added that securing commitments from Gabbard to advance national security was essential for his support. “Having now secured these commitments, I will support Tulsi’s nomination and look forward to working with her to protect our national security,” Young stated.
Gabbard, nominated by President Donald Trump, is a former Army Reserve lieutenant colonel, Democratic congresswoman, and 2020 presidential candidate who switched to the Republican Party last year. During her tenure as a lawmaker, Gabbard was outspoken in her criticism of the intelligence community, at times referring to intelligence personnel as part of the “deep state.”
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) also voiced her support for Gabbard, further boosting her chances for confirmation. With both Collins and Young backing her nomination, Gabbard now has the support of key senators, which could be pivotal as the nomination moves to the full Senate for consideration.
Gabbard’s nomination, which has sparked significant debate, now awaits a vote in the full Senate, where her confirmation will depend on continued Republican support.