Proud Hindu American Tulsi Gabbard has been sworn in as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) at the White House on Wednesday, just hours after the Senate narrowly confirmed her appointment in a 52-48 vote.
Gabbard took the oath of office in the Oval Office, administered by Attorney General Pam Bondi, with President Trump in attendance.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised the confirmation, stating, “Senate Republicans continue to confirm President Trump’s exceptionally qualified nominees, including Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who will now lead our intelligence agencies with strength and clarity.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Gabbard in Washington, D.C., congratulating her on her confirmation. He highlighted her longstanding support for India-US relations and discussed key aspects of the bilateral partnership.
They discussed various aspects of ties between the two countries with focused on enhancing intelligence cooperation in counter-terrorism and emerging threats.
In a post on X, PM worte, “Met USA’s Director of National Intelligence, @TulsiGabbard in Washington DC. Congratulated her on her confirmation. Discussed various aspects of the India-USA friendship, of which she’s always been a strong votary. ”
The former Democratic congresswoman and military veteran takes on the role in President Donald Trump’s second-term administration, despite facing scrutiny over her past foreign policy stances and controversial political positions.
Despite opposition, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton and Vice President JD Vance lobbied Republican senators to back Gabbard, arguing that she would bring “independent thinking” to the role.
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