Susan Collins Backs Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, Joining Growing Republican Support

Tulsi Gabbard, President Trump's pick for director of national intelligence, faces a critical Senate Intelligence Committee vote on Tuesday that could determine the fate of her nomination. With Republicans holding a one-seat majority on the panel, she cannot afford to lose any GOP votes. If she falls short in the committee, her nomination could still advance without a favorable recommendation, but she risks lacking enough Republican support in a full Senate vote. Concerns have been raised about her past actions, including meeting with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, supporting Edward Snowden, and comments on Russia's war in Ukraine. Gabbard's nomination has drawn mixed reactions, with some senators, like Sen. Susan Collins, offering support, while others, like Sen. Josh Hawley, have expressed doubts.

Maine GOP Sen. Susan Collins on Monday announced she will support Tulsi Gabbard's nomination as the director of National Intelligence, making her the latest Republican to unite behind President Donald Trump's nominee.

Collins is up for re-election in 2026 and voted against Trump’s Pentagon Secretary pick Pete Hegseth, making her one of three Republicans to do so. She is generally an independent voice and a longtime moderate in the Senate as a representative of Democrat-leaning Maine. “In response to my questions during our discussion in my office and at the open hearing, as well as through her explanation at the closed hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Ms. Gabbard addressed my concerns regarding her views on Edward Snowden. I look forward to working with Ms. Gabbard to strengthen our national security.” Collins believes Gabbard is aligned with her vision of scaling back the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to its “original size” from two decades ago when Collins first helped pass legislation creating it.