In the aftermath of former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s confirmation hearing last Thursday, there were doubts expressed over whether she’d be able to win enough support from the nine Republicans on the Senate Intelligence Committee to advance her nomination for Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to a full floor vote.
Despite a strong showing during the hearing in the face of nasty treatment from several Democrats on the committee, some GOP Senators reportedly were conflicted about, among other things, a trip to Syria she took in 2017 and her refusal to refer to former NSA intelligence contractor/whistleblower/leaker Edward Snowden as a “traitor.”
Though he is not on the committee, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) – a Gabbard supporter – indicated during a Fox News interview after the hearing that he was “worried by what I hear from some of my Republican colleagues. I’m worried that her nomination may be in jeopardy.”
SEE ALSO: Tulsi Gabbard Nukes Mark Kelly Over Russia Claims in Heated Hearing
On Monday, Gabbard got some good news on that front, with moderate Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) indicating she has her full support for the ODNI position – not just on voting her out of committee, but for the full Senate vote as well:
“After extensive consideration of her nomination, I will support Tulsi Gabbard to be the Director of National Intelligence. As one of the principal authors of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 that established this coordinating position, I understand the critical role the DNI plays in the Intelligence Community. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, however, has become far larger than it was designed to be, and Ms. Gabbard shares my vision of returning the agency to its intended size. In response to my questions during our discussion in my office and at the open hearing, as well as through her explanation at the closed hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Ms. Gabbard addressed my concerns regarding her views on Edward Snowden. I look forward to working with Ms. Gabbard to strengthen our national security.”
NEW: Susan Collins will support Tulsi Gabbard. Huge sign that Gabbard’s chances for DNI confirmation are on the right track pic.twitter.com/sjPfIn2lIF
— Max Cohen (@maxpcohen) February 3, 2025
Now that Collins has made her position clear, the focus is on how two other Senate Intelligence Committee Republicans will vote, including Todd Young (R-IN) :
With Collins in the “aye” column, all attention shifts to Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), who has been considered the other GOP swing vote on the panel.
Young pressed Gabbard during her confirmation hearing about whether she thought Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor-turned-leaker, is a traitor — and was visibly frustrated with Gabbard’s answers.
President Trump ally Elon Musk attacked Young in a post on social platform X over weekend as a “deep state puppet.” He deleted the post following a conversation with the Indiana Republican and spoke glowingly about him.
Young was asked Monday if he’d come to a decision on his committee vote, but he remained mum and said everyone would have to wait until Tuesday:
Todd Young: “you’ll hear more from me tomorrow” on Gabbard
Says he had “a lot of great conversations” over the weekend
— Jordain Carney (@jordainc) February 3, 2025
Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS), who offended Gabbard during the hearing when he asked her if Russia would get “a pass in either your mind or your heart,” has also expressed reservations about Gabbard but has not revealed how he will vote on Tuesday. He did say Thursday that she had answered questions “to my satisfaction,” a possible indicator that he’ll be an “aye.”
Sen John Cornyn (R-TX), who seemingly was on the fence at one point, indicated Thursday he’d vote for Gabbard.
In an op-ed published in Newsweek Sunday, Gabbard laid out her case for why she should be the DNI and noted what her “four day one priorities” would be:
First, to assess the global threat environment and identify where gaps in our intelligence exist, integrating intelligence elements, increasing information-sharing, and ensuring unbiased, apolitical, objective collection and analysis is provided to support President Trump and policymakers’ decision-making.
Second, I will deliver on President Trump’s commitment to the American people to end the politicization of the IC and provide focus to the IC’s essential mission, which is securing our nation.
Third, I will rebuild trust in the intelligence community through transparency and accountability.
Finally, I will assess and address efficiency, redundancy, and effectiveness across ODNI.
The Senate Intelligence Committee is expected to hold the vote behind closed doors at 2 pm ET Tuesday. As always, we’ll keep you posted.
Editor’s note: Post updated post-publication to note additional information on Moran’s position.
