Mitch McConnell Joins Democrats Against Gabbard—But She Still Wins [WATCH]

Lt. Col. Tulsi Gabbard was confirmed as the next Director of National Intelligence (DNI) by the U.S. Senate on Wednesday morning, securing President Donald Trump’s 14th cabinet appointment since returning to office.

BREAKING: Tulsi Gabbard has been CONFIRMED as President Trump’s Director of National Intelligence! pic.twitter.com/pHuLhn3feC

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) February 12, 2025

Dennis Quaid’s #1 Warning for Americans

Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii who later joined the Republican Party, was confirmed in a 52-48 vote. Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell (KY) joined Democrats in opposing her nomination.

Mitch McConnell voted against Tulsi Gabbard.

The guy is a walking corpse. Why has his family not retired him? It’s elderly abuse at this point.
pic.twitter.com/auNiU6isEm

— George (@BehizyTweets) February 12, 2025

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) spoke out against Gabbard before the final vote, stating that he was “proud” that every Democrat opposed her nomination.

He accused Gabbard of echoing “Russian propaganda,” a criticism that has followed her since her opposition to certain U.S. foreign policies.

Despite Democratic opposition, Gabbard received strong backing from Republican senators. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) defended her qualifications, stating she has the necessary “experience to keep our nation safe and secure.”

Tulsi Gabbard has the experience to keep our nation safe and secure.

I look forward to voting to confirm her later today. pic.twitter.com/P41ijU0aCb

— Sen. John Barrasso (@SenJohnBarrasso) February 12, 2025

Ahead of the vote, Gabbard outlined her top priorities in a February 3 opinion piece for Newsweek. She emphasized four key goals for her tenure as DNI:

• Assessing the global threat environment and closing intelligence gaps while ensuring information-sharing and unbiased analysis to support President Trump and policymakers.
• Ending the politicization of the intelligence community and refocusing its mission on national security.
• Rebuilding trust in the intelligence community through transparency and accountability.
• Improving efficiency, reducing redundancy, and enhancing the effectiveness of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).

“If confirmed as DNI, I will do my very best to fulfill this mandate and bring leadership to the intelligence community with a laser-like focus on our essential mission,” Gabbard wrote before the vote.

“That mission is clear: It is to ensure the safety, security, and freedom of the American people.”

The Senate was originally scheduled to vote on Gabbard’s confirmation after midnight but postponed the proceedings due to a snowstorm in Washington, D.C.

The vote was rescheduled for Wednesday morning.

BREAKING: Tulsi Gabbard confirmed as Director of National Intelligence. pic.twitter.com/vVP5hjsOY0

— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 12, 2025

President Trump first announced Gabbard as his pick for DNI in November, praising her service and dedication.

He highlighted her past as a Democratic presidential candidate and her shift to the Republican Party, stating, “As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties – She is now a proud Republican!”

Trump further commended her leadership, stating that she would “bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career” to the intelligence community while upholding the constitutional rights of the American people.

STATEMENT FROM PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP

Congratulations, @TulsiGabbard! pic.twitter.com/IiAY4jCTXP

— Karoline Leavitt (@karolineleavitt) November 13, 2024

Gabbard now assumes leadership of the ODNI, overseeing the nation’s intelligence agencies as she implements her priorities in the role.

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