Trump Nears Cabinet Confirmation of Former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard
President Donald Trump is poised to witness the confirmation of his 14th Cabinet member, former Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard, as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). The final Senate confirmation vote for Gabbard is scheduled for Wednesday morning, following the postponement of a midnight vote due to a snowstorm in Washington, D.C.
Controversial Nomination Sparks Debate
Gabbard’s nomination has sparked controversy, necessitating a lengthy 30-hour post-cloture debate that expired just after midnight. Time agreements to minimize the debate between the cloture motion and final vote are common, but the contentious nature of Gabbard’s nomination and ongoing frustrations with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have precluded such an agreement.
Republican Support for Gabbard
Despite initial hesitation, some Republican senators have expressed support for Gabbard’s confirmation. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), often considered moderate members of the conference, have publicly backed Gabbard. Both lawmakers had previously voted against Trump’s Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth.
Collins, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, voted in favor of the nomination, advancing it to the full Senate floor. Gabbard has also gained the support of key Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.), despite Young’s initial uncertainty.
Young, also a member of the Intel Committee, voted to advance Gabbard’s nomination after discussions with Chairman Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Vice President JD Vance, who played a crucial role in securing the nomination’s passage.
Concerns Addressed by Gabbard
During her confirmation hearing, Gabbard faced questions about her past meeting with former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, her stance on FISA Section 702, and her previous support for NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden. However, these concerns appear to have been assuaged by her answers and the persuasive support of both Cotton and Vance.
Counter-Offensive from Democrats
Despite Gabbard’s expected confirmation, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has unveiled a Democratic counter-offensive against Trump’s DOGE audit. Schumer has accused the audit of being a political stunt designed to undermine the independence of the intelligence community.
Conclusion
Former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is on the cusp of becoming President Trump’s 14th Cabinet member as the DNI. While her nomination has faced controversy, she has garnered significant support from hesitant Republicans and key senators within the Intelligence Committee. Despite concerns raised during her confirmation hearing, Gabbard’s answers and the backing of influential Republican leaders appear to have eased these worries. The confirmation vote is expected to be successful, with Vice President Vance potentially breaking the tie if necessary. However, Democrats remain opposed to the nomination and have vowed to challenge Trump’s DOGE audit on the Senate floor.
