• Trailblazing Combat Veteran Gabbard Sworn in as First Female Director of National Intelligence

  • Feb 13 2025
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

Trailblazing Combat Veteran Gabbard Sworn in as First Female Director of National Intelligence

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  • Summary

  • In a significant development, Lieutenant Colonel Tulsi Gabbard has been sworn in as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), marking a historic milestone as the first female combat veteran to hold this position. Gabbard, who took the oath of office on February 12, 2025, is also the eighth Senate-confirmed DNI.

    Gabbard's confirmation was the result of a closely watched Senate vote, which saw her nominated by President Donald Trump despite considerable controversy. The Senate voted 52 to 48 in her favor, with Republican Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky being the only member of his party to vote against her nomination. No Democrats supported her confirmation[3].

    Gabbard's background is diverse and includes service in the U.S. Army Reserve and a four-term tenure as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Her past foreign policy views and remarks on foreign adversaries have been a subject of debate, causing concern among lawmakers from both parties. Notably, her stance on Edward Snowden, whom she refused to label as a traitor during her confirmation hearing, was a point of contention. Gabbard acknowledged that Snowden broke the law but also highlighted the exposure of "egregious, illegal and unconstitutional programs" within the government[3].

    As DNI, Gabbard will oversee the work of the country's 18 intelligence agencies and serve as President Trump's primary intelligence adviser. Her role is critical in leading the Intelligence Community (IC) in areas such as counterterrorism, counterintelligence, counterproliferation, cyberintegration, and counterinfluence. The IC, under her leadership, will aim to deliver insightful intelligence to support national security and foreign relations activities[2][5].

    Gabbard has expressed a commitment to reforming the IC, addressing concerns about its politicization and weaponization. In her statement, she emphasized the need to restore trust in the Intelligence Community and ensure that intelligence is accurate, unbiased, and timely. She also plans to streamline the office by identifying and eliminating redundancies and inefficiencies, a move that has been welcomed by Republican senators[1][3].

    Her nomination and confirmation have sparked mixed reactions, with some lawmakers expressing concerns about her ability to lead the IC effectively. However, others have appreciated her commitment to reform and her unique blend of military and congressional experience. As she begins her tenure, Gabbard faces the challenge of navigating the complex landscape of national intelligence while working to rebuild trust and efficiency within the IC[1][3].
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