WASHINGTON (AP) — Tulsi Gabbard officially took on the role of Director of National Intelligence under President Donald Trump on Wednesday, shortly after receiving Senate confirmation. Initially met with skepticism from some Republican lawmakers regarding her qualifications and judgment, Gabbard’s nomination ultimately garnered bipartisan support.

Gabbard stands out as an atypical choice to manage and harmonize the nation’s 18 intelligence agencies, especially considering her previously sympathetic comments towards Russia, a controversial meeting with former Syrian President Bashar Assad, and her earlier advocacy for whistleblower Edward Snowden.

As a military veteran and the former Congresswoman representing Hawaii, Gabbard received a 52-48 confirmation vote, with the Senate’s narrow Republican majority overcoming opposition from Democrats. The sole Republican dissenting vote came from Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

Her confirmation adds to a roster of significant appointments as the new administration seeks to reform various aspects of the federal government, including its intelligence framework. Senate confirmation for Gabbard signifies a critical step in this process.

Employees at the CIA and other intelligence agencies have received incentives for buyouts, as lawmakers and security analysts voice apprehensions regarding Elon Musk’s access to intelligence databases through his Department of Government Efficiency related to ongoing operations.

After her swearing-in at the White House, Gabbard committed to working towards a “refocused” intelligence community that aligns with Trump’s strategic vision.

“The American people lack trust in the intelligence community because they have witnessed its politicization and weaponization, detracting from its primary mission of safeguarding national security,” Gabbard stated.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence was established to address intelligence failures that surfaced after the September 11, 2001, attacks. Critics from the Republican side claim the office has expanded excessively and become overly politicized. Trump himself has historically viewed the intelligence community with skepticism.

GOP senators who were initially uncertain about Gabbard’s ties with Snowden, Syria, and Russia expressed confidence in her commitment to concentrate on the office’s essential duties: coordinating intelligence efforts and acting as the primary intelligence adviser to the president. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), while maintaining reservations about some of Gabbard’s past stances, remarked on her potential to introduce “independent thinking” to the role.

On the flip side, McConnell expressed concerns, labeling Gabbard as presenting “unnecessary risk” to the intelligence role. He articulated, “The country should not have to be apprehensive about the integrity of the intelligence assessments provided to the President under a Director of National Intelligence associated with concerning judgments.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt conveyed disappointment regarding Republican opposition to what she described as the president’s highly qualified nominees.

McConnell had also voted against Pete Hegseth’s confirmation for defense secretary.

Democrats have raised alarms regarding Gabbard’s lack of intelligence agency experience, deeming her previous positions on Russia and Syria as disqualifying. They also questioned her ability to resist Trump’s influence and ensure effective intelligence collaboration with international allies.

“Entrusting our most classified information to someone who amplifies Russian narratives and aligns with conspiracy theories is simply not acceptable,” stated Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, who accused Republicans of yielding to pressure from Trump and Musk.

“Is Gabbard truly the individual Republicans want at the helm of intelligence agencies? I suspect not,” Schumer added.

Initially, the outcome of Gabbard’s nomination was in question until Republican support solidified. With a 53-47 division in the Senate, Gabbard required near-universal Republican backing.

Trump’s “Make America Great Again” supporters exerted pressure on senators to endorse his nominations, while Musk publicly criticized Senator Todd Young (R-Indiana) as a “puppet of the deep state.” Young, though previously skeptical of Gabbard, later announced his support following a dialogue with Musk. Subsequently, Musk referred to Young as an ally.

During Gabbard’s swearing-in ceremony, Trump praised her as a “brave and often solitary voice” and encouraged her to remain true to herself. He remarked, “She will be vigilant and focused on the threats posed by radical Islamic terrorism and other domestic challenges.”

Gabbard, who serves as a lieutenant colonel in the National Guard and has been deployed to the Middle East twice, sought the presidency in 2020. However, she lacks formal experience within intelligence frameworks or leadership of a governmental agency.

An aspect of her past that raised significant concerns during her confirmation was her praise for Snowden, who became a fugitive after leaking classified details regarding U.S. surveillance activities. Gabbard acknowledged that while Snowden revealed critical information about unconstitutional practices, he did breach protocols governing classified data, asserting, “Edward Snowden broke the law.”

Gabbard’s 2017 meeting with Assad also stirred controversy, particularly given the latter’s ousting amidst a brutal civil war marked by allegations of chemical weapon usage. Critics accused her of legitimizing a dictator, especially after she expressed skepticism regarding the use of chemical weapons. Gabbard countered this critique by stating that she confronted Assad about his human rights violations.

She has often echoed Russian narratives justifying the Kremlin’s aggressive actions in Ukraine. Additionally, she has opposed the U.S. surveillance program known as Section 702, which permits the collection of communications from suspected terrorists beyond U.S. borders.

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Contributions to this report were made by AP Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro.