Tulsi Gabbard has been confirmed as the Director of National Intelligence by a 52-48 vote.
The vote was along party lines with the exception of Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who voted in opposition to Gabbard’s confirmation.
Following the vote, McConnell said in a statement, “The Senate’s power of advice and consent is not an option; it is an obligation, and one we cannot pretend to misunderstand. When a nominee’s record proves them unworthy of the highest public trust, and when their command of relevant policy falls short of the requirements of their office, the Senate should withhold its consent.
He claimed that Gabbard “failed to demonstrate that she is prepared to assume this tremendous national trust.”
“The nation should not have to worry that the intelligence assessments the President receives are tainted by a Director of National Intelligence with a history of alarming lapses in judgment,” McConnell said, adding, “Beginning today, the brave men and women of America’s intelligence community will turn to Director Gabbard for principled leadership and sounder judgment in the service of America’s interests and national security. I join all of them in hoping that she rises to the immense responsibilities of her office.”
During her Senate Intelligence Committee confirmation hearing on January 30, Gabbard said those who oppose her nomination “imply that I am loyal to something or someone other than God, my own conscience, and the Constitution of the United States.”
In November, President Donald Trump said while nominating Gabbard for the role, “For over two decades, Tulsi has fought for our Country and the Freedoms of all Americans,” a statement from President-elect Donald Trump read. “As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties – She is now a proud Republican! I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community, championing our Constitutional Rights, and securing Peace through Strength. Tulsi will make us all proud!”
