The Senate confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as the nation’s director of national intelligence on Tuesday (US time), the 14th member of US President Donald Trump's pick that has been selected.
After the confirmation, Tesla CEO Elon Musk congratulated her.
Senator Mitch McConnell from Kentucky, previously led the Republican party, became the only Republican who voted against Gabbard's appointment as the national Director of the Office of National Intelligence. He expressed concerns about the "unnecessary risk" posed by her previous statements and conduct.
"In my assessment, Tulsi Gabbard failed to demonstrate that she is prepared to assume this tremendous national trust," McConnell said in a statement.
In explaining his opposition, he pointed to her positions regarding Putin, China, and Edward Snowden, the former government contractor who disclosed classified American information.
"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 said.
A National Guard lieutenant colonel with two Middle East deployments, Gabbard pursued the presidency in 2020. Despite her military service, she lacks formal intelligence credentials and has not led any government organisations.
During her Senate hearing, Gabbard faced scrutiny over her previous support for Snowden, the former NSA contractor who sought refuge in Russia after disclosing classified US surveillance details. She acknowledged that whilst Snowden exposed what she considers unconstitutional programmes, his actions breached classified information protocols, stating "Edward Snowden broke the law."
Her 2017 meeting with Assad proved contentious at the hearing. Critics accused her of validating a dictator's authority, particularly when she expressed doubt about Assad's alleged chemical weapons usage. Assad's recent removal followed a civil conflict where chemical warfare allegations were prominent.
Her stance on Ukraine has aligned with Russian narratives justifying their invasion. She has also opposed Section 702, a crucial US surveillance initiative targeting overseas terrorist communications.
Initially hesitant Republican senators ultimately supported Gabbard after she committed to prioritising the office's essential functions: managing federal intelligence operations and serving as the president's primary intelligence counsel.