The Senate voted to confirm Tulsi Gabbard as President Donald Trump’s director of National Intelligence despite numerous concerns from Republicans during her confirmation process.
On top of Gabbard, Trump installed John Ratcliffe, who served as director of National Intelligence during the tail end of his first term, to lead the Central Intelligence Agency.
The nomination also symbolizes a coup for Trump, who regularly clashed with the intelligence community during his first presidency largely regarding the role that Russian interference played in his 2016 victory, which he repeatedly downplayed.
Gabbard’s confirmation also sets up a potentially smooth confirmation process for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be secretary of Health and Human Services.
Gabbard’s confirmation serves as Trump taking control of the intelligence community that defied him during his first presidency.
