WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The Senate confirmed former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence (DNI) on Wednesday in a 52-48 vote, largely along party lines. The only Republican to oppose her was Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, citing concerns over her past positions on surveillance, foreign policy, and intelligence matters.

Gabbard, 43, now takes charge of the 18-agency U.S. intelligence community, serving as President Donald Trump’s top intelligence adviser. Her confirmation follows a tense and divisive nomination process marked by scrutiny over her shifting stance on surveillance laws, past foreign policy positions, and meetings with controversial world leaders.

The nomination of Gabbard, a former Hawaii congresswoman and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, sparked fierce debate within the Senate. While her military service and independent approach to policymaking won her support among key Republican senators, others remained deeply skeptical.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) defended Gabbard’s qualifications, highlighting her experience in the Army Reserve and her commitment to streamlining the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. “She brings independent thinking and necessary oversight to her new role,” Thune stated on the Senate floor Monday. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), a moderate and key swing vote, echoed these sentiments, citing her confidence in Gabbard’s ability to reform the intelligence community’s structure.

However, Democratic senators, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), raised concerns about Gabbard’s past statements on Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, as well as her past support for whistleblower Edward Snowden. “The director of national intelligence must be strong against America’s adversaries,” Schumer said. “Ms. Gabbard has spent her career sympathizing with those who do not share our interests.”

A significant point of contention was Gabbard’s previous opposition to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), a critical surveillance tool used to monitor foreign threats. In 2020, she introduced legislation to repeal Section 702 and the Patriot Act. Yet, during her confirmation hearing, she reversed her position, calling Section 702 “essential” and stating that reforms had addressed her prior concerns.

This shift played a crucial role in securing Republican support. Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) noted that Gabbard’s clarification of her stance in private meetings helped win over skeptical GOP senators. Nonetheless, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) questioned whether Gabbard fully understood the law’s provisions, pointing to inconsistencies in her past statements.

Gabbard’s foreign policy record also drew intense scrutiny. Her 2017 meeting with Assad, whom the U.S. government has accused of war crimes, was a focal point for critics. Additionally, her past criticism of U.S. interventions abroad and calls for diplomacy with adversaries fueled concerns among intelligence officials and lawmakers alike.

Nearly 100 former intelligence and national security officials signed a letter urging the Senate to carefully examine Gabbard’s record. They expressed fears that her views could compromise U.S. intelligence assessments.

Despite these concerns, Gabbard ultimately gained enough support to secure confirmation, with Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) joining Collins in backing her nomination. Murkowski acknowledged lingering reservations but emphasized Gabbard’s commitment to “right-sizing” the DNI’s role and eliminating inefficiencies.

In a rare break from his party, McConnell delivered a scathing critique of Gabbard, arguing that she was unqualified for the role. “The Senate’s power of advice and consent is not an option; it is an obligation,” McConnell said. “Tulsi Gabbard failed to demonstrate that she is prepared to assume this tremendous national trust.” He pointed to her inconsistent remarks on Snowden, her past comments on China and Russia, and what he described as “alarming lapses in judgment.”

His opposition, however, did not sway his Republican colleagues, who largely viewed Gabbard’s nomination as a win for Trump and a sign of his continued influence over the party.

As Gabbard assumes her role as DNI, she faces the challenge of managing a sprawling intelligence apparatus while balancing skepticism from both parties. Her commitment to intelligence reform, surveillance oversight, and diplomatic engagement will be closely watched in the coming months.

The Senate is expected to turn its attention next to the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, a nomination that has also sparked controversy.

Following her confirmation, Gabbard issued a statement pledging to uphold the integrity of the intelligence community. “I will ensure that our intelligence agencies remain free from political influence and committed to the security of the American people,” she said. Meanwhile, the White House released a statement praising her “independent leadership and commitment to reform.”

Senators on both sides have indicated that they will closely monitor Gabbard’s actions, particularly her handling of surveillance programs and foreign intelligence operations. Some intelligence officials remain wary, but others see her appointment as an opportunity for much-needed change in the intelligence community.