Tulsi Gabbard was sworn in as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) on Wednesday, February 12th, in the Oval Office, hours after the Senate confirmed her in a 52-48 vote. The confirmation process, which faced opposition from Democrats and some Republicans, marked one of the most contested Cabinet appointments of President Donald Trump’s second term.
Attorney General Pam Bondi administered the oath of office in the presence of Trump, who praised Gabbard as “an American of extraordinary courage and patriotism.” Gabbard, a former Democratic representative from Hawaii who later joined the Republican Party, thanked Trump for his confidence in her leadership and pledged to restore public trust in the intelligence community.
“Unfortunately, the American people have very little trust in the intelligence community, largely because they’ve seen the weaponization and politicization of an entity that is supposed to be purely focused on ensuring our national security,” Gabbard said.
Her confirmation faced resistance, with all Senate Democrats opposing her nomination. Former Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell was the sole Republican to vote against her, citing concerns about her qualifications.
“In my assessment, Tulsi Gabbard failed to demonstrate that she is prepared to assume this tremendous national trust,” McConnell said. “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.”
Criticism of Gabbard’s nomination stemmed from her past meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, her opposition to expanded surveillance powers under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), and her refusal to label former NSA contractor Edward Snowden a traitor.
Despite these concerns, Gabbard secured Republican support, aided by the efforts of Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton and Vice President JD Vance. They played key roles in persuading hesitant lawmakers, including Senators Susan Collins and Todd Young, to back her nomination.
Trump first announced Gabbard as his pick for DNI in November, shortly after his re-election. “For over two decades, Tulsi has fought for our country and the freedoms of all Americans,” he said. “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.”
Gabbard’s confirmation made her the 14th Cabinet member approved for Trump’s second term.
