Tulsi Gabbard scores key committee Republican's support ahead of pivotal vote

 In a statement to USA News, the senator said, "American intelligence officers around the globe deserve our respect and support. I appreciate Tulsi Gabbard's engagement with me on a variety of issues to ensure that our intelligence professionals will be supported and policymakers will receive unbiased information under her leadership." <script type="text/javascript">

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Sen. Young came out in support of Gabbard hours before the committee vote. (Reuters)

"I have done what the Framers envisioned for senators to do: use the consultative process to seek firm commitments, in this case commitments that will advance our national security, which is my top priority as a former Marine Corps intelligence officer. Having now secured these commitments, I will support Tulsi’s nomination and look forward to working with her to protect our national security," he added. 

Gabbard will need the support of all Republicans on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in order to advance to the floor for a confirmation vote. 

TULSI GABBARD CONFIRMATION FATE TO BE TESTED WITH KEY COMMITTEE VOTE

Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump's choice to be the Director of National Intelligence, appears before the Senate Intelligence Committee for her confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Washington.

That is assuming she does not get the votes of any Democrats. No Democrats on the committee have endorsed her for the role.

The committee vote is set to take place on Tuesday afternoon, and with confirmed support from Young, in addition to, Sen Susan Collins, R-Maine, James Lankford, R-Okla., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, Gabbard's nomination appears to be on relatively good footing to advance. 

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Collins came out in support of Gabbard. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Before Young revealed his support, he faced external pressure to get behind Gabbard. For example, Trump-aligned billionaire Elon Musk took to X over the weekend, calling the senator a "deep state puppet" in regard to his uncertainty about Gabbard. The post has since been deleted.

CRUCIAL MODERATE GOP SENATOR BACKS TULSI GABBARD AHEAD OF COMMITTEE VOTE

Musk criticized Young on X. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

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The two later had a phone call and a spokesperson for Young told USA News in a statement, "Senator Young and Mr. Musk had a great conversation on a number of subjects and policy areas where they have a shared interest, like DOGE."

Musk also posted on X, "Just had an excellent conversation with [Young]. I stand corrected. Senator Young will be a great ally in restoring power to the people from the vast, unelected bureaucracy."