Gabbard Targets “Deep State” Amid Trump’s Mixed Reception

ByDom Castellano

Newly confirmed Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has vowed to identify and prosecute government leakers, thrilling supporters of President Donald Trump’s administration while raising concerns among intelligence community veterans. This development comes as polling reveals mixed reactions to Trump’s recent address to Congress—his first since returning to office.

Gabbard took to social media platform X to announce her intention to investigate what she described as “politically motivated leaks” that “undermine our national security and the trust of the American people.” The former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii specifically alleged that undisclosed leakers had shared classified information with several news outlets, according to NJ.com.

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Controversial Intelligence Leadership

Gabbard’s appointment to oversee the nation’s 18 intelligence agencies has been contentious from the start. Critics have pointed to her past statements sympathetic to Russia, her meeting with now-deposed Syrian President Bashar Assad, and her previous support for government whistleblower Edward Snowden as reasons for concern about her suitability for the sensitive position.

Despite these concerns, Gabbard was confirmed last month by a narrow 52-48 Senate vote, with Republican Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky providing the only GOP opposition. Her confirmation reflects the growing skepticism among many Republicans toward traditional intelligence institutions, which President Trump has historically viewed with suspicion.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, created in response to intelligence failures exposed by the September 11, 2001 attacks, has increasingly faced criticism from Republicans who argue it has become too large and politically biased. Gabbard’s promise to target leakers aligns with Trump’s long-standing complaints about what he has termed the “Deep State.”

Mixed Reception for Presidential Address

Meanwhile, Trump’s recent 100-minute address to Congress—the longest such speech by any president—has generated conflicting poll results that paint a complex picture of public reception. As reported by NJ.com, CNN’s instant polling showed only 44% of viewers had a “very positive” reaction to the speech, a historically low figure compared to first addresses by previous presidents.

In comparison, Joe Biden polled 51% “very positive” in 2021, Barack Obama achieved 57% in 2009, and George W. Bush received 66% “very positive” ratings in 2001. Even Trump’s own 2017 address fared better, with 57% reporting a “very positive” reaction.

However, when including those with “somewhat positive” reactions, the numbers tell a different story. CNN reported that 69% of those polled had either a “very positive” or “somewhat positive” reaction, while CBS polling indicated 76% approval. The CNN poll sample reportedly skewed 14% more Republican than the general population, potentially explaining the discrepancy.

Partisan Divisions on Display

The speech itself reflected the administration’s combative approach, with Trump setting “a tone of division almost from his first words,” according to The Associated Press. He referred to former President Joe Biden as “the worst president in history” and criticized Democrats for failing to recognize his accomplishments.

The partisan response was evident throughout the address, with Republicans repeatedly standing and cheering while Democrats remained largely silent. In a striking breach of protocol, Democratic Representative Al Green of Texas was removed after shouting at Trump and gesturing toward him with his cane.

CNN political analyst Harry Enten characterized Trump’s current approval ratings as “historically awful,” noting that Trump’s plus-1 rating, while poor by historical standards, is better only than his own minus-8 rating at the start of his first term in 2017.

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Looking Ahead

As Gabbard settles into her role as America’s top intelligence official, her promised crackdown on leakers will be closely watched by supporters and critics alike. Her actions may significantly impact the culture and operations of the intelligence community, which has frequently found itself at odds with Trump during both his terms.

For the administration, the mixed polling on Trump’s address suggests potential challenges in building broader support beyond his base, even as his core supporters remain enthusiastic about both his leadership and appointees like Gabbard who have promised to implement his vision for restructuring government institutions.

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