Intelligence Officials Urge Senate to Confirm Tulsi Gabbard as DNI

EXCLUSIVE: In a significant push for confirmation, dozens of former intelligence officials are advocating for the Senate to endorse President Donald Trump’s nomination of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence (DNI). These officials assert that Gabbard has the potential to “begin undoing the gross politicization that has come to characterize intelligence bureaucracies,” according to information obtained by Fox News Digital.

Influential Endorsements

The letter sent to Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-Va.) was signed by a prominent group of former security officials. Among them are former White House National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien, former Acting Director of National Intelligence Ric Grenell, and former Navy SEAL Erik Prince, alongside over four dozen others.

In their correspondence, the officials firmly wrote, “We, the undersigned former intelligence and national security officials, urge members of the United States Senate to confirm Tulsi Gabbard to serve as President Trump’s Director of National Intelligence.” They expressed that her leadership could reverse the negative trends in the intelligence community that they believe have compromised the freedom and security of American citizens.

Qualifications and Experience

With over two decades of military service, Gabbard is well positioned for this high-profile role. She has multiple combat deployments under her belt and spent eight years serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she participated in numerous national security committees. Former officials supporting her candidacy emphasized that her experience makes her highly qualified for the position.

Gabbard is described as “an outspoken champion for America’s warriors and for our cherished constitutional freedoms.” The letter notes that through her various roles, she has gained firsthand experience regarding the importance of intelligent support for military and political leaders. “When intelligence was abused, Lt. Col. Gabbard spoke up and insisted on safeguards,” they wrote, underscoring her commitment to integrity within the intelligence community.

A Contrast with Previous Officials

Supporters of Gabbard paint a stark contrast between her and many former senior intelligence officials who have perceived to have politicized their roles. “In contrast to the many former senior intelligence officials who politicized their profession and disgraced themselves… Lt. Col. Gabbard stood up for truth, integrity, and following the facts,” the letter stated.

This emphasis on truth and integrity is framed as essential for the leader of the intelligence community. The officials concluded their letter asserting their belief that Gabbard has the moral courage to restore professionalism in the nation’s intelligence agencies.

Facing Scrutiny

Despite the backing from notable figures, Gabbard has also faced scrutiny from certain Senate members who question her intelligence experience. However, her allies argue that a fresh perspective without ingrained biases is vital for the intelligence community, which has been criticized for its politicization.

A source close to Gabbard remarked, “She has seen the true cost of war,” expressing confidence that her lack of direct prior intel agency experience is an asset. “It is a strength, not a weakness, that she doesn’t have direct prior intel agency experience…she will come in with clear eyes and no bias to the intel community which needs to regain the trust of the American people,” the source added.

Upcoming Confirmation Hearing

Gabbard’s confirmation hearing is set for Thursday morning with the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. President Trump believes Gabbard will embody a “fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career,” bringing valuable qualities to the intelligence community while protecting constitutional rights and promoting national security.

Background and Political Journey

Tulsi Gabbard has served as a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserves since 2021, after nearly 17 years with the Hawaii Army National Guard. Her political journey includes being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012, where she served as a Democrat until 2021. Opting not to seek re-election, she instead pursued a presidential campaign in 2020.

In 2022, Gabbard made a notable shift by leaving the Democratic Party to register as an independent, and in 2024, she officially joined the GOP, expressing her full endorsement of Trump amid his campaign.

Support from Veterans and National Security Officials

Gabbard’s nomination has gained traction with endorsements from numerous national security experts, including a notable boost from over 250 veterans. High-profile endorsements from individuals such as retired General Michael Flynn and former acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller further solidify her support base.