At least eight Republican senators are reportedly undecided on supporting former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for the role of Director of National Intelligence (DNI), according to sources familiar with President-elect Trump’s transition team. Gabbard, a former Democrat and a vocal critic of her own party, is facing skepticism over her qualifications and past foreign policy stances, putting her confirmation in jeopardy.
With the GOP holding a 53-seat majority in the incoming Senate, Trump can only afford to lose three Republican votes if Democrats vote as a bloc against Gabbard’s nomination. The reported uncertainty among a group of Republican senators has sparked concerns that Gabbard may not secure the necessary support for confirmation.
Sources cited by Reuters claim that the hesitance stems from Gabbard’s perceived lack of intelligence experience and her controversial 2017 trip to Syria, where she met with President Bashar al-Assad. Some senators who have met with Gabbard reportedly found her “unprepared” for the tough questioning during initial discussions.
Trump transition spokesperson Alexa Henning, however, downplayed the concerns, stating, “There is not one GOP Senator on the record that opposes Lt. Col. Gabbard’s nomination. Again, this is anonymous sources desperately trying to hold on to power, so they hide behind the media to spread these falsities that directly subvert the will of the American people.”
The identities of the eight Republican senators expressing doubt have not been confirmed, but the report follows a pattern of skepticism from certain GOP senators toward Trump’s recent nominees. Senators Joni Ernst (IA) and Lindsey Graham (SC) publicly called for Trump to reconsider his nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense. Similarly, Senators Mitch McConnell (KY), Susan Collins (ME), Lisa Murkowski (AK), and incoming Senator John Curtis (UT) were reportedly opposed to Matt Gaetz’s nomination for Attorney General.
Despite these challenges, there remains a glimmer of hope for Gabbard’s prospects. A separate source told Reuters that the atmosphere on Capitol Hill is shifting in Gabbard’s favor after an initial wave of opposition. There is speculation that some Republicans who were critical of Gaetz’s nomination may ultimately back Gabbard.
Additionally, Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) has signaled openness to confirming Gabbard, potentially providing Trump with a cushion should a few Republicans defect. This bipartisan support could bolster Gabbard’s chances of being confirmed, even amid resistance within her new party.
As confirmation hearings approach, the outcome remains uncertain. Gabbard’s unorthodox political history and independent streak make her a divisive figure, but Trump’s confidence in her judgment and leadership could rally enough support to secure her position as the new DNI. The coming weeks will determine whether Gabbard can overcome these hurdles and solidify her place in Trump’s incoming administration.