GOP Backs Ex-Democrat Gabbard for Intel Chief, Leaving McConnell Isolated

Paul Riverbank, 2/13/2025Former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard confirmed as Intelligence Chief, highlighting dramatic political realignment in Washington.

The confirmation — opposed by all 47 Democrats and, notably, Republican Senator Mitch McConnell — underscores the dramatic realignment of American political forces. Gabbard, once a Democratic presidential candidate, now finds herself at the helm of America's sprawling intelligence apparatus, despite — or perhaps because of — her controversial positions on key national security issues.

"For too long, faulty, inadequate, or weaponized intelligence has led to costly failures and the undermining of our national security," Gabbard declared during her confirmation hearings, positioning herself as a reformer of the intelligence establishment — a stance that resonates deeply with the current administration's narrative.

The confirmation process revealed deep fissures in Washington's traditional security consensus. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) emerged as a staunch defender of Gabbard, noting that her record was "clean as a whistle" — while attempting to frame Democratic opposition as personal rather than substantive.

Yet the concerns about Gabbard's appointment cut across party lines. Her past positions — including support for NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, skepticism about Syrian chemical weapons attacks, and statements suggesting NATO bore some responsibility for Russia's invasion of Ukraine — sparked anxiety among traditional national security hawks in both parties.

Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) pulled no punches, labeling Gabbard among the "worst nominees to date" in what he characterized as a "sleazy, slimy cabinet." The striking language reflects the depth of concern about placing someone with Gabbard's views in charge of America's intelligence community.

Perhaps most telling is McConnell's isolated opposition among Republicans — a stark illustration of the former majority leader's diminishing influence within a transformed GOP. The Kentucky senator, who once wielded unprecedented power in the chamber, found himself unable to sway a single Republican colleague to join his opposition.

The confirmation battle forced Gabbard to perform some political acrobatics. She moderated her stance on FISA Section 702, declaring that "foreign surveillance on non-US persons overseas is critical, period" — a notable shift from her previous legislative efforts to repeal the provision. She also attempted to contextualize her past positions on Snowden, writing in Newsweek that he "should have raised his concerns about illegal surveillance through authorized channels."

The intelligence community now faces the unusual scenario of being led by someone who has openly questioned its past assessments and methodologies. Career intelligence officials must navigate a new reality where their director has expressed sympathy for one of their most notorious critics and skepticism toward some of their most significant conclusions.

This confirmation represents more than just another political appointment — it symbolizes the ongoing reformation of American political alignments. The sight of a former Democratic presidential candidate, endorsed by Trump, being confirmed to a crucial national security position with nearly unanimous Republican support and universal Democratic opposition, tells a story of political realignment that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.

For the intelligence community, the American public, and indeed the international community, the implications of this appointment will likely reverberate far beyond the immediate political moment. As one senior intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, put it: "We're in uncharted territory now."

In a remarkable display of shifting political allegiances and party transformation, the Senate has confirmed former Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence with a 52-48 vote — marking yet another unprecedented moment in an administration that continues to defy conventional political wisdom.The confirmation — opposed by all 47 Democrats and, notably, Republican Senator Mitch McConnell — underscores the dramatic realignment of American political forces. Gabbard, once a Democratic presidential candidate, now finds herself at the helm of America's sprawling intelligence apparatus, despite — or perhaps because of — her controversial positions on key national security issues."For too long, faulty, inadequate, or weaponized intelligence has led to costly failures and the undermining of our national security," Gabbard declared during her confirmation hearings, positioning herself as a reformer of the intelligence establishment — a stance that resonates deeply with the current administration's narrative.The confirmation process revealed deep fissures in Washington's traditional security consensus. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) emerged as a staunch defender of Gabbard, noting that her record was "clean as a whistle" — while attempting to frame Democratic opposition as personal rather than substantive.Yet the concerns about Gabbard's appointment cut across party lines. Her past positions — including support for NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, skepticism about Syrian chemical weapons attacks, and statements suggesting NATO bore some responsibility for Russia's invasion of Ukraine — sparked anxiety among traditional national security hawks in both parties.Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) pulled no punches, labeling Gabbard among the "worst nominees to date" in what he characterized as a "sleazy, slimy cabinet." The striking language reflects the depth of concern about placing someone with Gabbard's views in charge of America's intelligence community.Perhaps most telling is McConnell's isolated opposition among Republicans — a stark illustration of the former majority leader's diminishing influence within a transformed GOP. The Kentucky senator, who once wielded unprecedented power in the chamber, found himself unable to sway a single Republican colleague to join his opposition.The confirmation battle forced Gabbard to perform some political acrobatics. She moderated her stance on FISA Section 702, declaring that "foreign surveillance on non-US persons overseas is critical, period" — a notable shift from her previous legislative efforts to repeal the provision. She also attempted to contextualize her past positions on Snowden, writing in Newsweek that he "should have raised his concerns about illegal surveillance through authorized channels."The intelligence community now faces the unusual scenario of being led by someone who has openly questioned its past assessments and methodologies. Career intelligence officials must navigate a new reality where their director has expressed sympathy for one of their most notorious critics and skepticism toward some of their most significant conclusions.This confirmation represents more than just another political appointment — it symbolizes the ongoing reformation of American political alignments. The sight of a former Democratic presidential candidate, endorsed by Trump, being confirmed to a crucial national security position with nearly unanimous Republican support and universal Democratic opposition, tells a story of political realignment that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago.For the intelligence community, the American public, and indeed the international community, the implications of this appointment will likely reverberate far beyond the immediate political moment. As one senior intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, put it: "We're in uncharted territory now."