WASHINGTON, DC – President Donald Trump secured another Cabinet victory on February 12 as the Senate confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence in a 52-48 vote. The confirmation followed strict party lines, with the sole exception of former GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who voted against her.

McConnell, in a statement explaining his opposition, cited Gabbard’s “history of alarming lapses in judgment,” referencing her past meeting with former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, her stance on FISA Section 702, and her support for NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden. Some Republican senators had also expressed concerns over her lack of support for Ukraine.

Despite initial skepticism from key Republicans, Gabbard managed to rally enough support to clear the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, an early hurdle in the confirmation process. Her success was credited in part to the efforts of Chairman Tom Cotton, and Vice President JD Vance, who helped sway holdouts like Republican Senators Susan Collins and Todd Young.

Her confirmation came over strong objections from Senate Democrats, including Vice Chairman Mark Warner, who led an impassioned plea against Trump’s pick. Gabbard’s nomination was one of the most contentious of Trump’s second term, marking a dramatic turnaround for a former Democrat who not only left the party but went on to endorse Trump in the 2024 election.

Gabbard is now the 14th member of Trump’s Cabinet to be confirmed.

@India-West News Desk