Democrats are doing everything they can to delay President Trump’s nominees for various cabinet positions. But it’s not just Democrats it seems that’s causing problems. Tulsi Gabbard, President Trump’s pick for Director of National Intelligence (DNI), is already facing fierce opposition, and it’s not just from Democrats. With a razor-thin margin on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Gabbard’s path to confirmation is looking rocky as several Republicans have signaled they’re on the fence—or outright skeptical—about her nomination.
At the center of the GOP hesitation is Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), whose role on the Intelligence Committee could make or break Gabbard’s chances. Collins told The Hill she plans to grill Gabbard on her past criticism of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a critical program for warrantless surveillance of foreign targets. Although Gabbard has attempted to soften her stance, Collins remains unconvinced. “I want to hear her unpracticed responses,” Collins said, signaling her doubts about Gabbard’s recent shift.
And she’s not alone. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), often a swing vote when it comes to Trump nominees, has also held off on giving Gabbard his full support. Graham has raised concerns over Gabbard’s controversial trip to Syria to meet with dictator Bashar al-Assad and her previous calls to drop charges against NSA leaker Edward Snowden. “We’ll see how the hearing goes,” Graham told reporters, suggesting he’s willing to be swayed—but not yet sold.
🚨"We'll see."
Lindsey Graham REFUSES to commit to voting for Tulsi Gabbard's nomination. pic.twitter.com/HNIakT2xN9
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) January 27, 2025
Other Republicans are keeping their cards close to their chests. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), another member of the Intelligence Committee, stated that it “remains to be seen” whether Gabbard will satisfy the panel’s concerns. With the committee split 9-8 between Republicans and Democrats, Gabbard needs unanimous support from the GOP members to get her nomination to the Senate floor.
Even if she survives the committee vote, the real challenge lies in the full Senate. Gabbard can’t afford to lose more than three Republican votes, assuming all Democrats oppose her. That’s a tall order, given that Senators like Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Collins, and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) have already proven they’re willing to buck Trump on high-stakes nominations, as seen during Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s confirmation process.
While Gabbard’s history of bipartisanship and her strong stance against the “military-industrial complex” might appeal to some, her controversial record is giving others pause. If her nomination falters, it could be a sign of the ongoing tension within the GOP as it navigates Trump’s second-term agenda. Either way, Gabbard’s confirmation fight is shaping up to be a battle to watch.