Tulsi Gabbard Officially Appointed as America's DNI
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Synopsis
The US Senate has confirmed Tulsi Gabbard as the Director of National Intelligence, overseeing the 18-member intelligence community, which includes the CIA and NSA. The decision was made in a closely contested vote, reflecting her controversial past positions and actions.
Key Takeaways
- Tulsi Gabbard confirmed as DNI by US Senate.
- Vote passed 52-48, mostly along party lines.
- Gabbard is the 18th member of Trump's cabinet.
- Critics raised concerns about her past associations.
- She aims to enhance whistleblower protections.
Washington, Feb 12 (NationPress) The US Senate has officially confirmed Tulsi Gabbard, a former member of Congress, to serve as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), a position responsible for overseeing the nation’s 18-member intelligence community, including the CIA and NSA.
At 43 years old, Gabbard received confirmation via a 52-48 vote, predominantly along party lines, with only Senator Mitch McConnell, the former Republican majority leader, opposing her nomination. Gabbard is now the 18th individual to be confirmed to President Donald Trump's cabinet. Pending nominations include Kash Patel for the FBI and Robert F Kennedy Jr for health and human services.
She becomes the second former co-chair of the Congressional India Caucus to join the Trump cabinet, alongside Mike Waltz, the National Security Adviser. Gabbard previously co-chaired this caucus while serving as a Democratic representative for Hawaii.
Her nomination faced significant challenges from the outset, with numerous Republicans expressing concern and opposition due to her past stances and actions, which included support for Bashar al-Assad, the ousted leader of Syria, and Edward Snowden, the NSA contractor responsible for leaking extensive classified information. Critics also highlighted her perceived lack of experience in intelligence.
The confirmation hearing was marked by heated exchanges among Democratic senators and tense moments, particularly regarding her unwavering refusal to label Snowden a traitor. Instead, she maintained that while he violated the law, as DNI she would work to prevent similar leaks by enhancing and establishing whistleblower protections.
The Directorate of National Intelligence was established in response to the intelligence failures that preceded the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This body supervises the intelligence community, which encompasses the CIA, nine agencies within the Department of Defense, including the NSA and the Defense Intelligence Agency, as well as several elements from other departments, such as the FBI under the Department of Justice.
Another agency formed as a result of the 9/11 incidents is the Department of Homeland Security, which consolidates various agencies tasked with monitoring and regulating the presence of foreigners within the United States.
