Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) has put forth U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) as a noteworthy contender to take over as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) after Tulsi Gabbard’s recent resignation.
As a strong supporter of Trump, Banks made the announcement via a post on X. He asserted, “Stefanik would make a great replacement for Tulsi as DNI,”
highlighting that her experience on the House Intelligence Committee would likely facilitate a seamless confirmation by the Senate.
While Rep. Stefanik has yet to publicly respond to the suggestion, speculation about her candidacy has surged, particularly on betting platforms like Kalshi.
President Trump previously lauded Gabbard’s contributions and mentioned that her principal deputy, Aaron Lukas, would assume the role of acting director in the interim. However, no official communications have been made regarding permanent nominees, including Stefanik.
Stefanik has a history of being nominated by Trump, having been chosen for a different role as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations in November 2024.
Though she swiftly advanced through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Trump later withdrew her nomination in March 2025, prioritizing the retention of the slim Republican majority in Congress.
As of now, Aaron Lukas, Gabbard’s principal deputy director and a seasoned CIA officer, will step in as acting DNI following Gabbard’s exit.
Moreover, the White House has remained silent on any long-term replacement beyond the temporary appointment of Lukas, with no formal nomination process outlined in recent updates.
