Former Congresswoman Takes Helm of U.S. Intelligence Community Amid Shifts in National Security Policy
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in a 52-48 vote, marking a major political win for President
Donald Trump.
Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman, military veteran, and outspoken critic of foreign interventionism, will now oversee all 18 intelligence agencies and serve as the principal intelligence advisor to the president.
Gabbard’s confirmation has drawn both praise and scrutiny due to her past positions on U.S. foreign policy.
She has been vocal in attributing NATO’s expansion and military activities in Eastern Europe as a key factor in provoking Russia, which she argues led to the inevitable conflict in Ukraine.
Her stance has been consistent in emphasizing that NATO’s actions contributed to escalating tensions with Russia, an assertion that has been debated among policymakers and analysts.
Another key issue discussed during her confirmation hearings was her firm defense of whistleblower Edward Snowden.
Gabbard has maintained that Snowden was not a traitor but a citizen who risked his life to expose what she described as unconstitutional and anti-democratic surveillance programs.
She has argued that Snowden’s revelations about mass surveillance exposed secret laws that allowed intelligence agencies to spy on innocent American citizens without their consent.
According to Gabbard, those who enacted and defended these surveillance programs were the true violators of democratic principles, while Snowden’s actions led to increased public awareness and vital reforms.
Despite initial resistance from critics questioning her intelligence experience, Gabbard’s confirmation underscores her growing influence within the Trump administration.
Supporters have praised her independent perspective, military background, and commitment to challenging long-standing foreign policy doctrines.
Following her swearing-in ceremony, President Trump commended Gabbard’s dedication to national security, stating that her leadership will ‘strengthen intelligence operations and put America’s interests first.’
Gabbard’s appointment represents a significant shift in U.S. intelligence leadership, with expectations that her tenure will bring a renewed focus on transparency, strategic realignment, and a reassessment of intelligence priorities in a rapidly changing global landscape.