Sen. Susan Collins confirms she will back Tulsi Gabbard as Trump's DNI
Most of President Donald Trump's Cabinet picks have had a relatively easy time going through the motions in the Senate and ultimately being confirmed.
However, Tulsi Gabbard, whom Trump chose to serve as his director of national intelligence (DNI), had a bit of trouble with Democrats and some Republicans, including establishment GOP senators like Susan Collins of Maine.
The good news, according to the Daily Caller, is that over the weekend, Collins agreed to back Gabbard for the position.
Collins serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee, which will ultimately determine whether or not Gabbard is confirmed as DNI.
The Maine Republican released a short statement confirming that she can now get behind Gabbard as the new DNI, citing her experience in authorizing a counterterrorism-related bill in 2004.
"After extensive consideration of her nomination, I will support Tulsi Gabbard to be the Director of National Intelligence," she said in the statement.
Collins added, "As one of the principal authors of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 that established this coordinating position, I understand the critical role the DNI plays in the Intelligence community."
"In response to my questions during our discussion in my office and at the open hearing, as well as through her explanation at the closed hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Ms. Gabbard addressed my concerns regarding her views on Edward Snowden. I took forward to working with Ms. Gabbard to strengthen our national security," she continued.
Punchbowl News' Max Cohen wrote on X that Collins' support is a strong signal that Gabbard will ultimately be confirmed by the upper chamber.
"NEW: Susan Collins will support Tulsi Gabbard. Huge sign that Gabbard’s chances for DNI confirmation are on the right track," Cohen wrote.
NEW: Susan Collins will support Tulsi Gabbard. Huge sign that Gabbard’s chances for DNI confirmation are on the right track pic.twitter.com/sjPfIn2lIF
— Max Cohen (@maxpcohen) February 3, 2025
Users across social media reacted to the news that Gabbard was able to secure an endorsement from Collins.
"It was the tsunami of Patriots pressuring her to do the right thing! Keep it up!" one X user wrote.
Another X user wrote, "This is a huge deal. Love it."