Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine announced Monday that she will back President Donald Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Tulsi Gabbard.
“After careful consideration of her nomination, I have decided to support Tulsi Gabbard for the role of Director of National Intelligence,” Collins said in a statement. “As one of the primary architects of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, which created this coordinating position, I fully appreciate the vital role the DNI plays in overseeing our intelligence community.”
Collins emphasized a shared perspective with Gabbard regarding the scope of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).
“The ODNI has expanded well beyond its original mandate, and Ms. Gabbard shares my commitment to scaling it back to its intended scope,” Collins noted.
She also addressed concerns about Gabbard’s stance on government surveillance and whistleblowers, particularly her views on Edward Snowden.
“During our conversations in my office, her testimony at both the open and closed hearings, and her responses to my questions, Ms. Gabbard directly addressed my concerns about her position on Snowden. I look forward to working with her to enhance our national security,” Collins said.
As a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Collins will play a key role in the confirmation process. Her decision is particularly significant, as she previously opposed Trump’s Secretary of Defense nominee, Pete Hegseth, and was considered a potential swing vote on Gabbard’s confirmation.
Collins had initially raised concerns over Gabbard’s opposition to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), a critical surveillance tool. Gabbard was also pressed during her hearing over past remarks in which she described whistleblowers as “brave” and declined to label NSA contractor Edward Snowden a traitor.
Speaking to reporters, Collins reaffirmed her support, stating: “After thoroughly reviewing her record, engaging in direct discussions, and listening to her testimony, I have concluded that I will vote in favor of her nomination. She has demonstrated a firm commitment to strengthening national security.”
Collins added that she was “satisfied” with Gabbard’s explanations regarding Snowden.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford also confirmed his support for Gabbard’s nomination, according to CNN. Lankford, who sits on the Intelligence Committee, specifically questioned Gabbard about Snowden during her confirmation hearing.
With Democrats expected to unanimously oppose Gabbard’s confirmation, her path to securing the position hinges on full Republican backing. As of now, Indiana Sen. Todd Young remains the only Republican on the committee who has yet to declare his stance.
