Washington DC: Tulsi Gabbard has officially taken office as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) following her confirmation by the US Senate. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the White House on Wednesday, with US Attorney General Pam Bondi administering the oath in the Oval Office. President Donald Trump was present at the event.
The White House later shared the moment on social media, posting the video with the caption, "Tulsi Gabbard has officially been sworn in as Director of National Intelligence by AG Pam Bondi in the Oval Office! MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN."
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Senate confirmation, ceremony Details
Gabbard's confirmation was confirmed by a narrow vote in the Senate, with 52 votes in favour and 48 against, largely along party lines. Notably, Republican Senator Mitch McConnell joined the Democrats in opposing her confirmation. Gabbard, a former Democratic Representative from Hawaii, faced several concerns from Republican senators, particularly regarding her stance on Ukraine, her meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2017, and her past support for Edward Snowden. Despite the opposition, key swing Republicans, including Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Todd Young, backed her nomination.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the confirmation, saying, âSenate Republicans continued to confirm President Trumpâs exceptionally qualified nominees most recently Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.â Leavitt further emphasised the need for swift confirmation of remaining cabinet nominees.
Tulsi Gabbard's nomination had been one of President Trumpâs most contentious. Concerns about her views on surveillance and her controversial meetings in Syria were raised during Senate hearings. However, her confirmation marks a significant milestone, with her appointment as DNI being Trumpâs 14th confirmed nominee since taking office.
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Published: 13 Feb 2025, 07:57 am IST
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