Adding the former Democrat to President Donald Trump’s inner circle after lawmakers raised pointed questions about her views on Russia, ousted Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor who leaked classified information.
Gabbard, a former Hawaii congresswoman, secured confirmation on a 52-48 vote. In her new role, Gabbard will oversee the 18 agencies within the U.S. Intelligence community, serving as the president’s top adviser on intelligence matters.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., said on social media after the vote that Gabbard would be sworn in at the White House on Wednesday afternoon.
The 43-year-old’s confirmation comes after a tense hearing on Jan. 30 before the Senate Intelligence Committee, which later voted along party lines to sign off on her nomination.
