Key Republican Delivers Verdict on Tulsi Gabbard’s Nomination

Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME).
Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images

Moderate GOP Sen. Susan Collins is throwing her weight behind Tulsi Gabbard to serve as the next director of national intelligence, providing the embattled nominee with a key endorsement on the eve of a critical committee vote scheduled for Tuesday.

Backing from the longtime senator from Maine—one of three Republicans who recently voted against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the floor—comes after she grilled Gabbard over her past praise of NSA contractor and whistleblower Edward Snowden.

Collins, who helped craft the legislation to create the DNI role, cited Gabbard’s call to slim down the intelligence office.

“As one of the principal authors of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 that established this coordinating position, I understand the critical role the DNI plays in the Intelligence Community. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, however, has become far larger than it was designed to be, and Ms. Gabbard shares my vision of returning the agency to its intended size,” she said in a statement.

WASHINGTON, DC  January 30, 2025:

Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard arrives to testify at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on her nomination to be US Director of National Intelligence (DNI). / The Washington Post / The Washington Post via Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC January 30, 2025: Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard arrives to testify at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on her nomination to be US Director of National Intelligence (DNI). / The Washington Post / The Washington Post via Getty Images

“In response to my questions during our discussion in my office and at the open hearing, as well as through her explanation at the closed hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Ms. Gabbard addressed my concerns regarding her views on Edward Snowden,” she added.

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Collins’ backing will be crucial for Gabbard’s confirmation chances, but her confirmation odds remain on shaky ground.

A number of senators on both sides of the aisle have voiced concerns over her past meetings with and remarks on Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Some lawmakers also signaled she had a shaky performance during her confirmation hearing.

Sen. Todd Young (R-IN)—who sits on the Senate Intelligence Committee—said it was “notable” that Gabbard didn’t acknowledge that “Snowden caused tremendous damage to national security, including to military, defense and intelligence programs” during last week’s hearing. Young came under fire from Trump-ally Elon Musk following his remarks in a now-deleted tweet.

And Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) is seen as another potential no vote for Gabbard.

The Senate Intelligence Committee is slated to hold its vote on whether Gabbard’s nomination will make it to the floor on Tuesday, with the nominee unable to lose any GOP support.