Former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is just one step away from becoming President Donald Trump’s Director of National Intelligence (DNI) after clearing a key procedural vote Monday night.
The 52-46 vote along party lines set the stage for a final confirmation vote on Wednesday, where Gabbard can only afford to lose three Republican votes—a scenario that now looks increasingly unlikely.
Gabbard Overcomes Key Hurdles
Once considered one of Trump’s most vulnerable picks, Gabbard shattered expectations, overcoming the filibuster threshold and securing crucial Republican support, including from Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Sen. Todd Young (R-IN).
With Vice President JD Vance overseas and unable to break a tie, Senate leadership’s confidence in her confirmation was evident—they wouldn’t have scheduled the vote if they weren’t sure she had the numbers.
Dems Set to Drag Out the Process—But It Won’t Matter
As expected, Democrats are throwing a fit, refusing to expedite proceedings and dragging out debate for the full 30 hours. But the math isn’t on their side—Gabbard is set to be confirmed.
Unlike Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who needed Vance to cast a tiebreaker, Gabbard already has the votes lined up.
Her confirmation will mark a major win for Trump, securing an intelligence chief who has been outspoken against the deep state, endless wars, and government corruption.
The Countdown Begins
With the final vote locked in for Wednesday, all eyes are now on the handful of Republican senators still on the fence—but with momentum swinging her way, Gabbard is poised to take the helm of U.S. intelligence and shake up the establishment that fears her most.
