Tulsi Gabbard Confirmed as Director of National Intelligence

The Senate has confirmed former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Al Jazeera reports.

The vote, which took place on Wednesday, resulted in a 52-48 decision, primarily along party lines, with a single Republican, Senator Mitch McConnell, voting against the confirmation.

As DNI, Gabbard will oversee the 18 agencies within the US intelligence community.

Gabbard’s nomination generated debate, partly due to past comments and actions, including expressions of sympathy for Russian President Vladimir Putin, support for Edward Snowden, and a 2017 meeting with then-Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created in response to intelligence gaps identified after the September 11, 2001 attacks. The office’s role and size have been subjects of discussion, particularly among Republicans.

In her new role, Gabbard will have access to classified information and will serve as the president’s primary intelligence advisor. Her background includes military service and a foreign policy perspective that has been described as isolationist.

The appointment comes as the Trump administration pursues changes in federal government spending and staffing. The CIA, which falls under the DNI’s purview, recently announced voluntary buyout offers for its employees.