On February 10, 2025, the US Senate voted to move forward with Tulsi Gabbard's nomination for Director of National Intelligence (DNI). The vote, which split along party lines with 52 Republicans supporting and 46 Democrats opposing, paves the way for a final confirmation vote. Senators Thom Tillis and John Fetterman abstained from voting.

The Senate voted 52-46 to limit debate on Gabbard's nomination, setting up a final vote.

The vote occurred along party lines, with all present Republicans supporting Gabbard.

Gabbard's nomination narrowly passed through the Senate Intelligence Committee with a 9-8 party-line vote. During the hearing, she was questioned about her past dissenting views on U.S. foreign policy and defence of civil liberties.

Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii and 2020 presidential candidate, has faced scrutiny for past comments viewed as sympathetic to Russia, a meeting with Syria’s former leader Bashar al-Assad, and her defence of Edward Snowden.

During her confirmation hearing, Gabbard clarified her stance on Snowden, stating that while he "broke the law," his leaks exposed "illegal and unconstitutional programs". She also stated she would not advocate for Snowden's pardon or clemency.

Initial Republican support was uncertain due to concerns about her lack of intelligence experience and challenges to US intelligence agencies. However, a pressure campaign, including support from Elon Musk, helped secure votes.

Democrats have remained firmly opposed to Gabbard’s nomination. Senator Mark Kelly expressed concern that her "tendency to embrace poorly supported claims" over intelligence assessments was "dangerous". Senator Martin Heinrich labelled her a "national security risk" who "parrots dictators' talking points".

The director of national intelligence is responsible for overseeing the 18 entities that comprise the U.S. Intelligence Community, including the Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency.

A final vote on Gabbard's nomination is scheduled for midnight on Tuesday, unless all senators agree to vote earlier. Following that, the Senate will proceed with a procedural vote on Robert F Kennedy Jr.'s nomination for the position of health and human services secretary.

Agencies