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Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, cleared a key hurdle on Tuesday as the Senate Intelligence Committee advanced her nomination in a closed-door 9-8 vote. Despite concerns over her past statements and political positions, the nomination now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
Support for Gabbard has fallen strictly along party lines, with no Democrats expressing approval. The former Democratic congresswoman has become one of Trump’s most polarizing nominees, with bipartisan concerns raised over her comments sympathetic to Russia and her past meeting with Syria’s now-deposed leader Bashar Assad.
Harsh Republican Scrutiny and Subsequent Support
Following a contentious confirmation hearing last week, several Republican senators initially questioned Gabbard’s suitability for the position. However, a pressure campaign led by Trump supporters, including billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, helped secure crucial GOP backing. Musk’s social media posts targeted key Republican senators, including Todd Young of Indiana, whom he labeled a “deep-state puppet.” Young later reversed his stance, announcing his support for Gabbard.
“Edward Snowden broke the law,” Gabbard acknowledged, while maintaining that his revelations exposed unconstitutional surveillance practices.
Another point of contention was Gabbard’s 2017 visit with Syrian President Bashar Assad, whom she met during his regime’s brutal civil war. Gabbard defended the visit, stating that she used the opportunity to confront Assad about his human rights record. Critics, however, accused her of legitimizing a dictator.
Despite her deployment experience as a lieutenant colonel in the National Guard and her 2020 presidential bid, Gabbard lacks formal intelligence experience and has never led a government agency or department. This lack of experience has fueled concerns about her ability to lead the nation’s top intelligence office.
Gabbard has faced criticism for echoing Russian propaganda narratives, particularly regarding the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, her opposition to a key U.S. surveillance program has raised red flags for lawmakers.
Path to Full Senate Confirmation
Given the slim Republican majority and strong Democratic opposition, Gabbard will need near-unanimous support from GOP senators to secure confirmation. The full Senate vote has yet to be scheduled.
Senator Todd Young, initially critical of Gabbard, confirmed his support after extensive consultations. “I have done what the framers envisioned for senators to do: use the consultative process to seek firm commitments, in this case commitments that will advance our national security,” Young stated.
Gabbard’s nomination continues to be a focal point of political debate, reflecting deep divisions within the Senate and raising questions about the future direction of U.S. intelligence leadership.
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