Tulsi Gabbard Confirmed as US Director of National Intelligence

Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman, has been confirmed as the director of national intelligence in the United States by the Republican-controlled Senate with a 52-48 vote. The confirmation was considered one of the most contentious of President Donald Trump's second term. Senator Mitch McConnell from Kentucky was the only Republican to vote against her appointment, citing "unnecessary risk". Gabbard, a 43-year-old military veteran and former congresswoman from Hawaii, has no prior experience in the intelligence field, making her an unconventional choice. She has faced criticism over her 2017 meeting with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and her views on US government surveillance and her support for National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden, with Democrats expressing concern over her suitability for the role.