Eight GOP Senators Oppose Tulsi Gabbard's Confirmation as Trump's Intel Chief

Dec 17, 2024, 11:36 PM

Former Representative Tulsi Gabbard, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for the role of Director of National Intelligence, is facing opposition from eight Republican senators, casting doubt on her confirmation. Concerns cited include her lack of intelligence experience, past meetings with Bashar al-Assad, her stance on U.S. military involvement abroad, including opposition to military support for Ukraine, and statements perceived as aligned with Russia. Sources close to the Trump transition team indicate growing pessimism about her securing the necessary Senate votes. Gabbard's supporters argue that her skepticism of U.S. military interventions aligns with Trump's 'America First' policy. Additionally, issues raised during her first meeting with senators and the recent collapse of the Assad regime have intensified scrutiny. If eight Republicans oppose her, she would require support from five Democratic senators, which is also considered unlikely.