Well, it’s official—Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, the perpetual “wild card” who’s built a career out of stabbing her own party in the back, has how she intends to vote on the confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence. She announced that she will be voting to confirm Gabbard. Murkowski who voted against Pete Hegseth’s confirmation as Secretary of Defense somehow found it in her “moderate” heart to support a former Democrat with a history of cozying up to foreign dictators. Classic Murkowski.
I will vote to confirm Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence. While I continue to have concerns about certain positions she has previously taken, I appreciate her commitment to rein in the outsized scope of the agency, while still enabling the ODNI to continue its…
— Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) February 11, 2025
Her announcement now seals the deal: every Republican senator is now backing Gabbard. Even Mitch McConnell—whose spine tends to stiffen only when he’s blocking conservative priorities—jumped on board. The Senate GOP, in a rare moment of unity, voted 52-46 to invoke cloture on Gabbard’s nomination, setting her up for an almost guaranteed confirmation vote this week.
Gabbard’s nomination has stirred both excitement and debate in Washington, and for good reason. A former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii and a combat veteran with multiple tours of duty, Gabbard brings a unique blend of military experience, foreign policy knowledge, and an independent streak that challenges the status quo. That’s exactly why President Trump tapped her for this critical role—to shake up an intelligence community that’s been bogged down by bureaucratic inertia and political gamesmanship.
Despite her previous party affiliation, Gabbard has earned respect from many Republicans for her unapologetic commitment to America’s national security and her willingness to speak truth to power, no matter who’s in charge. She’s been a vocal critic of the military-industrial complex, questioned the wisdom of endless foreign interventions, and consistently prioritized the well-being of U.S. service members over partisan politics. In today’s hyper-political climate, that’s a refreshing change.
Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Tom Cotton (R-AR) played a key role in rallying GOP support for Gabbard, emphasizing her patriotism, military service, and leadership qualities during her confirmation process. Cotton reminded his colleagues that Gabbard’s firsthand experience in combat zones gives her a unique perspective on intelligence matters—one rooted in real-world consequences, not theoretical debates.
While some Democrats opposed her nomination, citing her non-traditional views on foreign policy, the support she’s garnered from Republicans speaks volumes about her ability to cross political lines and focus on what truly matters: protecting the United States.
Gabbard’s confirmation as DNI will mark a significant shift in how America approaches intelligence and national security. With her leadership, expect a focus on transparency, accountability, and a renewed commitment to putting the interests of the American people above the interests of the Washington establishment. It’s the kind of change that’s long overdue, and President Trump made the right call in choosing her for the job.
So here we are. Murkowski, for once, didn’t torpedo a Trump nominee. McConnell found his way to a yes vote. And Tulsi Gabbard is on track to become the Director of National Intelligence. Strange times, indeed. But in Trump’s Washington, maybe strange is exactly what we need.
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