Gabbard Faces Bipartisan Scrutiny Over Russia, Syria & Snowden in Heated Senate Hearing/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence (DNI), faced intense questioning during her Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday. Lawmakers pressed her on past comments about Russia, her 2017 visit with Syria’s former leader Bashar Assad, her previous support for NSA leaker Edward Snowden, and her previous opposition to a key U.S. surveillance program. While Republicans defended Gabbard, arguing she would shake up the intelligence community, Democrats questioned her ability to lead objectively. Gabbard promised to leave her personal views at the door, but with a narrow Senate majority, her confirmation remains uncertain.
Gabbard’s Intelligence Confirmation Hearing: Quick Looks
- Gabbard Pledges Reform, claiming U.S. intelligence failures have led to wars and foreign policy mistakes.
- Democrats Challenge Her on Russia and Syria, questioning her past comments on NATO, Ukraine, and Assad.
- Snowden Debate: Senators pushed her to declare Edward Snowden a traitor—Gabbard avoided a direct answer.
- Bipartisan Concerns Over Surveillance Views, as Gabbard once opposed, then later supported, key intelligence-gathering programs.
- Republicans Defend Her Nomination, arguing the intelligence community needs reform.
- Key Vote Uncertain, as Gabbard must win over nearly all GOP senators to secure confirmation.
Gabbard Faces Bipartisan Scrutiny Over Russia, Syria & Snowden in Heated Senate Hearing
Gabbard’s Nomination Faces Resistance in Senate Hearing
Gabbard Calls for Intelligence Overhaul
During her Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, Gabbard criticized past intelligence failures, blaming them for U.S. foreign policy mistakes, including the Iraq War.
- She accused intelligence agencies of politicization and misleading policymakers.
- Promised to restore objectivity, stating:“The intelligence community must serve the truth, not a political agenda.”
Democrats Press Gabbard on Russia and Syria
- Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) challenged Gabbard’s stance on Ukraine, saying:“I just do not understand how you can blame NATO for Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine.”
- Warner also criticized her failure to condemn Assad’s use of chemical weapons.
- Gabbard defended her record, insisting she was committed to national security and that her critics misrepresented her views.
- Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) questioned whether Gabbard would go easy on Russia.
- Gabbard, visibly frustrated, fired back “Senator, I’m offended by the question. My sole focus is the security of the American people.”
Snowden: Is He a Traitor?
- Gabbard previously supported Snowden, saying he exposed unconstitutional surveillance.
- When Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) asked her to say “Yes or no, is Snowden a traitor?”, she dodged the question.
- Bennet cut her off, saying:“Apparently, you don’t understand the importance of national security.”
Surveillance Policy Reversal Raises Questions
- Gabbard previously opposed Section 702, a key intelligence-gathering tool used to monitor suspected terrorists.
- She now supports it, citing new privacy safeguards.
- Critics questioned the abrupt shift, but Gabbard said:“I evolve my positions based on facts, not Washington dogma.”
Republicans Rally Behind Gabbard
- Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), Intelligence Committee Chairman, defended Gabbard, arguing the DNI has become too bureaucratic.
- Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), a fellow veteran, introduced Gabbard and called criticisms against her “partisan and misguided.”
- Republicans believe Gabbard will bring much-needed reform to the intelligence community.
Final Thoughts: Will Gabbard Secure Enough Votes?
With a tight Senate margin, Gabbard’s confirmation is not guaranteed. Her ability to win over skeptical Republicans will determine whether she becomes the next Director of National Intelligence.
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