The White House is weighing its options as Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump's nominee for director of national intelligence, faces skepticism from Senate Republicans following a contentious confirmation hearing, The Hill reported.
Gabbard's confirmation hearing this week left key Republican senators unconvinced, particularly regarding her stance on Edward Snowden, government surveillance programs, and past diplomatic engagements with foreign adversaries.
While no GOP senator has publicly announced opposition, some lawmakers expressed unease over her responses.
"There's no need for a plan B because plan A is going to work," a Senate GOP leadership aide told The Hill.
The White House faces a challenge different from that of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, whose confirmation battle was primarily personal. In contrast, Gabbard's hurdles are almost entirely policy-related, stemming from the former congresswoman's decadeslong affiliation with the Democratic Party and foreign policy positions that diverge from mainstream Republican views.
Unlike Hegseth, a former Fox News contributor who garnered strong conservative media backing, Gabbard has not benefited from an extensive push by Trump's allies.
"It's unclear because it hasn't gotten to that level," a Senate GOP aide said of any potential pressure campaign in her favor. "I haven't seen the same push. It's kind of been more scattered and not as concerted."
One nominee, former Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, failed to gain sufficient Republican backing to advance and withdrew from consideration. A source close to the administration said Gabbard’s nomination has not yet reached that point.
"I think it was clear with Gaetz pretty quickly that he was going to lose. I don't know if it's as clear about her," the source said.
Gabbard's performance before the Senate Intelligence Committee raised concerns among Republicans.
When asked three times, she refused to call Snowden a "traitor," stating only that he broke the law.
"I'm worried that her nomination may be in jeopardy," Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., told Fox News. "And I'm just worried about what that will mean."
Gabbard cannot afford any GOP defections on the committee, which is split 9-8 in favor of Republicans with Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Todd Young of Indiana identified as key swing votes.
Meanwhile, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the former Senate Republican leader, has indicated he will oppose her confirmation if it reaches the floor.
While Senate rules allow nominees to bypass committee recommendations, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has suggested that route is unlikely.
Despite the uncertainty, the White House remains committed to securing Gabbard's confirmation, along with those of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services secretary and Kash Patel for FBI director.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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