The usurpers are planning their coup against Trump. They want him to be made irrelevant.
That’s why there’s a disturbing plan from four GOP senators to sink Donald Trump.
Gabbard’s DNI Nomination Being Torpedoed By Republicans?
Former Democratic Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination to serve as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) under President Donald Trump is facing a critical test as the Senate gears up for her confirmation hearings. While the nomination could be a key moment in Trump’s administration, several Republican senators, some of whom supported President Joe Biden’s DNI nominee, are now undecided on Gabbard’s qualifications, signaling potential challenges ahead.
A number of Republican senators, including some who previously supported Biden’s DNI pick, Avril Haines, are now hesitant about Gabbard’s nomination. Among those who remain undecided are influential GOP figures such as Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska — each of whom had voted in favor of Haines’ confirmation. Haines passed the Senate with near-unanimous support, clearing the upper chamber 84-10 on January 21, 2021, only hours after Biden was inaugurated.
For Gabbard, securing the votes of just three Republican senators — assuming every Democrat votes against her — would be crucial. McConnell, Collins, and Murkowski are joined by Senators Todd Young of Indiana and John Curtis of Utah, all of whom are currently noncommittal.
Senator John Curtis, who met with Gabbard on January 16, remains undecided about her nomination. His spokesperson stressed that Curtis intends to carefully assess Gabbard’s qualifications to ensure that America’s intelligence capabilities remain among the best in the world. In a statement with reporters, Curtis’ office emphasized that every president should be afforded some deference when selecting nominees, but that senators must also perform their constitutional duty to provide “advice and consent” based on a nominee’s record.
As a newly-elected senator, Curtis does not yet have a voting history on cabinet nominees, while Todd Young, who sits on the Senate Intelligence Committee, is seen as another critical vote. Young, who also voted to confirm Haines under Biden, plans to ask Gabbard several questions during her upcoming confirmation hearing. A spokesperson for Young told the Washington Examiner that he intends to gain a better understanding of her views before making a final decision.
A Difficult Road for Gabbard’s Confirmation
For Gabbard, a former congresswoman and vocal critic of both Democratic and Republican foreign policy, securing the Senate Intelligence Committee’s approval is a pivotal first step. The committee, which holds a 9-8 Republican majority, is expected to be the first hurdle for Gabbard. In order to advance her nomination to the full Senate, Gabbard would need the support of all Republican senators on the committee, assuming Democrats unanimously oppose her.
The committee vote will be closed to the public, meaning that senators will not be required to publicly disclose their positions unless they choose to do so. With key senators like Collins and Young holding out, Gabbard’s prospects could hinge on securing their backing in the coming days.
Senator Collins, who has a history of supporting Biden’s nominees, has remained non-committal on Gabbard, but made it clear that she would press Gabbard on significant issues, particularly regarding warrantless surveillance powers and the reauthorization of such programs. Collins’ stance suggests that her vote could be swayed based on Gabbard’s responses to these concerns during her testimony.
Historical Precedents and GOP Support
In a statement provided to reporters, Alexa Henning, Gabbard’s spokesperson, highlighted the historical tendency for senators from a president’s own party to show deference to nominees. Henning pointed out that of the 72 cabinet-secretary nominees from former Presidents Bill Clinton to Biden, only two faced opposition from members of the president-elect’s party, and those votes were not enough to defeat the nominations. This, Henning argued, should remind GOP senators that there is no historical obligation to oppose a president’s nominations.
This argument could have particular resonance with Republicans like Collins, Murkowski, and McConnell, who all supported Biden’s DNI nominee, Avril Haines. Murkowski, for example, voted in favor of all but two of Biden’s cabinet nominees in 2021, and McConnell played a crucial role in expediting Haines’ confirmation.
Gabbard’s nomination could become the latest test case for Republican senators’ loyalty to their president’s nominees. Interestingly, some senators who voted to confirm key intelligence figures under Obama — such as James Clapper, John Brennan, and Dennis Blair — are now taking a much harder line against Trump’s picks, even if they have supported intelligence officials in the past.
Despite the uncertain prospects, Gabbard’s team remains hopeful. The former congresswoman must clear the Senate Intelligence Committee before her nomination reaches the full Senate. If she fails to gain the committee’s approval, her chances of reaching the Senate floor could diminish.
Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota, who initially expressed reservations about Gabbard, has since become more supportive following meetings with the nominee. However, Rounds has not yet committed to voting “yes” to advance Gabbard’s nomination. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy also weighed in on Gabbard’s potential, stating that her confirmation is at risk and “most on the bubble.”
I had an excellent first meeting with Tulsi Gabbard last month. Today, we had our planned follow-up meeting. I am confident she is prepared for her open hearing.
I will do all I can to support her through the confirmation process and look forward to working with her once she is… pic.twitter.com/JzvJek15jx
— Senator Mike Rounds (@SenatorRounds) January 14, 2025
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