© Mary Altaffer / APTulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump's pick for director of national intelligence, got the much awaited final Senate vote Wednesday on her nomination to oversee and coordinate the work of America's 18 different intelligence agencies.
Gabbard is now the US Director Of National Intelligence and was appointed after Republicans fell in line following a pressure campaign by Trump allies, including Elon Musk.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was created to address intelligence failures exposed by the September 11, 2001, attacks.
Once viewed with suspicion for her controversial past, the military veteran and former Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii has gained acceptance among Senate Republicans despite earlier concerns over her perceived pro-Russia stance, a meeting with deposed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and support for whistleblower Edward Snowden.
While Republican scepticism faded, Democratic opposition remained firm, according to a report by the Associated Press.
She was confirmed by a 52-48 vote, with Democrats opposed in the sharply divided Senate where Republicans hold a slim majority. The only "no' vote from a Republican came from Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
She will take over the top intelligence post as Trump works to reshape vast portions of the federal government. Intelligence agencies including the CIA have issued voluntary resignation offers to staffers, while cybersecurity experts have raised concerns about Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency gaining access to sensitive government databases containing information about intelligence operations.
"While I continue to have concerns about certain positions she has previously taken, I appreciate her commitment to rein in the outsized scope of the agency," said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, adding that Gabbard will bring "independent thinking" to the job.
Democrats noted that Gabbard had no experience working for an intelligence agency and said her past stances on Russia, Syria and Snowden made her a poor choice for the job. They also questioned whether she would stand up to Trump if necessary and could maintain vital intelligence sharing with American allies.
"It is an insult to people who have dedicated their lives and put themselves in harm's way to have her confirmed into this position," said Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, a former CIA analyst,, D-Mich., about members of America's intelligence service.
Comment: Independent thinking indeed. It's called seeing reality as it is: