Sen. Jim Banks suggests Stefanik replace Gabbard as director of national intelligence

Indiana Republican Sen. Jim Banks suggested Friday that New York GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik could replace former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard as director, stating she would even have an easy confirmation vote.

The comment comes after Gabbard announced she was resigning her post earlier Friday because her husband has "an extremely rare form of bone cancer," and she needs to "step away" to support him in the months ahead.

Stefanik, who is expected to depart Congress this fall, has been floated as a potential contender to replace the former Democrat because of her loyalty to President Donald Trump, and she was previously nominated for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. 

"Stefanik would make a great replacement for Tulsi as DNI," Banks said on X. "Easily confirmable too."

Trump confirmed Gabbard is stepping down effective June 30 and has tapped Aaron Lukas, principal deputy director of National Intelligence, to serve as acting director in the interim.

Gabbard is now the fourth member of the president's Cabinet to resign this year, behind former Attorney General Pam Bondi, former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.