Tulsi Gabbard confirmed as director of national intelligence, overcoming skepticism
The U.S. Senate has confirmed former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to lead the intelligence community as director of national intelligence, despite initial skepticism.
Gabbard was confirmed 52-48 on Wednesday after gaining broad support from Republicans during the confirmation process.
In addition to criticism about her lack of experience in intelligence, Gabbard fought back against concerns about her past statements about autocratic leaders, such as Syria’s ousted President Bashar al-Assad and Russian President Vladimir Putin. She deflected questions about her past defense of Edward Snowden, who leaked NSA secrets in 2013.
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., maintained his opposition to Gabbard and issued a statement after the vote saying that she “failed to demonstrate that she is prepared to assume this 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,” he added. McConnell was the sole Republican vote against her confirmation.
Gabbard, a 43-year-old U.S. Army Reservist who unsuccessfully ran for president as a Democrat in 2020, will be responsible for leading 18 intelligence agencies and managing billions of dollars in budget.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., called Gabbard a “patriot” who is “motivated by service” on the chamber floor on Tuesday.
“The intelligence community needs to refocus on its core mission, collecting intelligence and providing unbiased analysis of that information. That’s what Tulsi Gabbard is committed to ensuring,” he said.
Standing by in San Antonio: the luxury plane from Qatar intended to replace Air Force One
The luxury jet needs a security overhaul. That usually takes a few years, meaning it might not be ready until Trump is out of office. Shortcuts could create national security risks.
For the first time, the U.S. is absent from WHO’s annual assembly. What’s the impact?
In the wake of President Trump's decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization, the agency is holding its first major meeting. How will that affect WHO — and the United States?
Federal judge blocks Trump’s takeover of U.S. Institute of Peace
U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ruled the USIP president and board members were unlawfully fired by President Trump and should be reinstated.
Pope Leo meets with Vance, who delivers an invitation to visit the White House
The meeting appeared part of an effort to reset relations with the Vatican after Pope Francis repeatedly criticized President Trump's migration policy. Vance also gave Pope Leo a Chicago Bears jersey.
Millions prepare for severe storms in the Midwest and South
Millions of people in central and eastern Oklahoma, as well as far northwest Arkansas, are in the path of numerous severe thunderstorms expected on Monday.
What we know about the Palm Springs fertility clinic bombing
Authorities say they believe their prime suspect in the bombing was also the sole fatality of the attack.
