The GOP-controlled Senate voted to confirm Tulsi Gabbard as President Donald Trump’s director of national intelligence. The vote was mostly along party lines, with only Sen. Mitch McConnell joining Democrats in voting against her. Concerns were raised about Gabbard’s meeting with Assad, sympathetic comments about Russia, efforts to repeal surveillance tools, and support for Snowden. McConnell criticized her judgment and readiness for the job. Moderate Sen. Susan Collins supported Gabbard after her confirmation hearing. Democrats criticized Gabbard’s past positions on national security.
In a separate vote, the Senate advanced the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health and human services secretary, another unorthodox Trump pick. Kennedy faced skepticism due to his past opposition to vaccines and support for abortion. During his confirmation hearing, Kennedy expressed a belief in the importance of vaccines and stated that every abortion is a tragedy. Sen. Bill Cassidy, a crucial vote, announced his support for Kennedy after securing key concessions, including commitments to protect the public health benefit of vaccination and to maintain a close working relationship with Cassidy. Kennedy will also appear before the HELP committee regularly if needed.
Both Gabbard and Kennedy have had controversial pasts, but ultimately received support from the GOP-led Senate for their respective roles in the Trump administration.
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