Trump Bows to Controversy with Gabbard’s DNI Nomination Amid Bribery Law Pause

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday to pause the enforcement of a significant act that penalizes U.S. businesses for bribing foreign officials. This order seeks to enhance American economic competitiveness.

As the administration grapples with the implications of the order, Trump is on the verge of confirming former Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard as his next director of national intelligence (DNI). The final Senate confirmation vote, which was initially set for midnight, has been rescheduled to Wednesday morning due to a snowstorm impacting the capital.

The Senate’s post-cloture debate on Gabbard’s nomination, totaling 30 hours, is set to run out shortly after midnight, propelling her candidacy into a crucial stage. Typically, the time between the cloture motion and the ultimate vote is minimized through a “time agreement” made between Republicans and Democrats. However, due to the contentious nature of Gabbard’s nomination and persistent frustrations with government oversight, such an accord is not anticipated.

Despite the controversy surrounding her nomination, Gabbard is expected to secure confirmation. She has garnered support from some Republican senators who previously opposed Trump’s choice for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, requiring Vice President JD Vance to cast a tie-breaking vote.

Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski, recognized as centrist members, have both endorsed Gabbard. Collins, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, voted favorably during the committee stage, thereby facilitating the nomination’s progression to the full Senate.

Additionally, Gabbard has received backing from key Republicans, including Senators Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Todd Young of Indiana. Young, who appeared hesitant before the committee vote, ultimately supported Gabbard after discussions with Chairman Tom Cotton and Vance.

Concerns regarding Gabbard stemmed from her past interactions with former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, her stance on FISA Section 702, and her previous support for NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden. Nevertheless, these concerns were reportedly alleviated following her responses during the hearings and the influential endorsements from Senators Cotton and Vance.

Julia Johnson is a politics writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, covering the U.S. Senate.