Tarshi Gabbard was sworn in as director of national intelligence in the oval office on Wednesday hours after the Senate confirmed her.
Attorney General Pam Bondy has taken the oath of office on Gabbard, whom Trump called “an American of extraordinary courage and patriotism.” He said she was deployed three times in the Army National Guard and that she was a former Democrat, saying, “Do you believe that?”
Gabbard thanked the President for her trust in her and vowed to “refocus on our intelligence news community” after she was sworn in.
“Unfortunately, Americans have seen the weaponization and politicization of entities that appear to be purely focused on ensuring our national security. I have little faith in the intelligence news community.”
The Senate confirmed her with 52-48 votes after two months of deliberation on whether Gabbard is well qualified to lead the Intelligence Reporting Agency and prepare Trump's daily Intelligence Reporting Agency. did.
Former Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) was the only Republican to vote against her. No Democrats supported her.
“Thrashi has always distinguished herself as the leader of the highest caliber. She has also given the love of Americans on both sides of the aisle, as her deep commitment to the value that keeps us free. He won the respect and admiration. And she really values them as much as anyone else,” Trump said in his comments about Gabbard in the oval office.
Gabbard is considered one of Trump's more controversial candidates, and she not only received intense scrutiny over past opposition to expanding surveillance powers under the Foreign Intelligence Reports Surveillance Act, but also former government contractor Edward. – refused to call Snowden a traitor.
Vice President Vance, who traveled through Europe during the oath, is believed to have helped persuade Sen. Todd Young, who burned her at a hearing about Snowden, to support Sen. Gabbard, in particular.
