The Tulsi Gabbard confirmation vote moved forward as a Senate committee approved her nomination for director of national intelligence.
Despite concerns over her past remarks on Russia and a controversial meeting with Syria’s former leader, the Tulsi Gabbard confirmation vote passed in a 9-8 decision along party lines. The nomination now advances to the full Senate, though a final vote date remains undecided.
A former Democratic congresswoman, Gabbard has drawn criticism from both parties due to her past support for whistleblower Edward Snowden. Republican support was initially uncertain, but following pressure from Trump allies—including Elon Musk—several key GOP senators backed her.
The Tulsi Gabbard confirmation vote highlights deep partisan divisions. No Democrats have supported her, while Republicans, despite early hesitation, have largely fallen in line. With slim margins in the Senate, Gabbard will need nearly unanimous GOP support to secure confirmation.
Gabbard, a National Guard lieutenant colonel who served in the Middle East, lacks formal intelligence experience and has never led a government agency. Her past praise of Snowden, who leaked classified NSA documents and sought asylum in Russia, was a major point of contention during her hearing.
Her 2017 visit with Syrian President Bashar Assad remains another source of controversy. Critics accused her of legitimizing a dictator, particularly after she questioned Assad’s use of chemical weapons. Gabbard defended the meeting, stating she confronted Assad about human rights abuses.
Musk’s vocal criticism of Senator Todd Young pressured him into supporting Gabbard. Young, previously seen as a swing vote, confirmed his backing after securing commitments on national security concerns.
With her nomination now in the hands of the full Senate, the Tulsi Gabbard confirmation vote will likely be a pivotal moment in Trump’s administration.