Staff Reports
A new chapter in Washington’s ongoing saga of questionable appointments has unfolded as Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman known for her controversial views, has taken up the reins as the Director of National Intelligence. Sworn in at the Oval Office with President Trump at her side, this appointment raises eyebrows and the possibility of a bizarre twist in the obedience of the intelligence community to actual national interests rather than partisan politics.
After taking the oath of office, Gabbard wasted no time in declaring her mission: to restore trust in an intelligence community that has seemingly strayed from its core function of protecting America. Her claims about rampant politicization will strike a familiar chord amongst those who feel the sting of political manipulation, particularly when the intention should instead be safeguarding American lives. In a rare moment of clarity, Gabbard acknowledged that American citizens have grown wary of intelligence agencies due to their expedient use as weapons in political skirmishes.
Tulsi Gabbard vows to restore Americans’ trust in intelligence community at swearing-in ceremonyhttps://t.co/EhJeO2bpZc pic.twitter.com/dUOlrBADdN
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) February 13, 2025
Gabbard has positioned herself as a champion of getting back to the basics: refocusing the intelligence community on securing the safety and freedom of the American people. One can only hope her definition of “freedom” doesn’t include cozying up to questionable figures like Edward Snowden, an act that raised more than a few eyebrows among Republicans during her confirmation process. With a narrow confirmation vote of 52-48 split along mostly party lines, many skeptics in the GOP remain unconvinced of her loyalty to either country or party—simply questioning whether she can stop being a political pawn herself.
President Trump has expressed his support for Gabbard, claiming she has earned respect and admiration from both Republicans and Democrats alike. While it’s amusing to trot out bipartisanship when it adds political weight, it does beg the question: how many Republicans really feel that way? After all, even Mitch McConnell joined the Democrats in voicing his concerns over Gabbard’s suitability for national intelligence, specifically highlighting her past views that favor letting Ukraine fend for itself in a conflict that many believe should be a priority for U.S. foreign policy.
As Gabbard settles into her new office, one can only watch in bemusement as the intelligence community tries to steer clear of politics—even though they’ve become a legitimate target in the game of political chess more than ever. It remains to be seen whether she can bring back the trust that has evaporated or whether her appointment will lead to more of the same disarray the American people have seen all too often from their front-row seats in the circus of D.C.
