Vice President J.D. Vance defended Tulsi Gabbard against the criticisms made by CBS anchor Margaret Brennan during an interview, labeling conservative publications that oppose her nomination as “irrelevant.” Brennan referenced severe critiques from the Wall Street Journal and National Review concerning Gabbard’s previous positions, but Vance underscored that it is the president and the American populace—not these publications—that determine cabinet appointments. He commended Gabbard’s military service, her character, and her ability to restore trust in the intelligence community by curbing bureaucratic overreach.

Brennan accused Gabbard of having a distrust towards intelligence agencies; however, Vance contended that she aims to revive their fundamental mission of national security. Gabbard is poised to be confirmed as the Director of National Intelligence, with Republican senators Lisa Murkowski and Bill Cassidy openly endorsing her despite some hesitations. Gabbard departed from Congress in 2021, left the Democratic Party in 2022, endorsed Trump for the 2024 election, and joined the Republican Party the previous year.