Trump’s Pick for Intelligence Chief, Tulsi Gabbard, Faces Senate Grilling/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, will face tough Senate questioning over her foreign policy views, past Russia-friendly remarks, and a 2017 visit with Syria’s former leader Bashar Assad. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman and National Guard officer, has no formal intelligence experience, raising concerns about her ability to oversee 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. While Republican support for her nomination is growing, skepticism from both parties could make confirmation an uphill battle.
Gabbard’s Intelligence Confirmation Hearing: Quick Looks
- Foreign Policy Controversies: Gabbard has criticized U.S. support for Ukraine, drawing accusations of echoing Russian propaganda.
- 2017 Syria Trip Questioned: She met with then-Syrian leader Bashar Assad, later expressing skepticism about his use of chemical weapons.
- Surveillance Policy Flip: Gabbard previously opposed Section 702, a key counterterrorism surveillance tool, but now supports it.
- Republican Support Grows: Sen. Tom Cotton and other GOP members are backing Gabbard, despite past concerns.
- Confirmation Uncertain: With a narrow Senate majority, Gabbard needs nearly all Republican votes to secure confirmation.
Trump’s Pick for Intelligence Chief, Tulsi Gabbard, Faces Senate Grilling
Gabbard Faces Senate Scrutiny Over Russia, Syria, and Intelligence Experience
Gabbard’s Foreign Policy Views Raise Concerns
Tulsi Gabbard, a former Hawaii congresswoman and National Guard lieutenant colonel, is set to lead U.S. intelligence agencies if confirmed. However, her past statements on Russia and Syria have drawn bipartisan skepticism.
- Gabbard has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling him a “corrupt autocrat”.
- She has echoed Russian narratives about the Ukraine war, leading to accusations of spreading Kremlin disinformation.
- Russian state-controlled media has praised her remarks, further fueling concerns among lawmakers.
“It’s fine for people to have policy differences and ask questions about those differences. I hope no one would impugn Ms. Gabbard’s patriotism or her integrity,” said Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee.
2017 Syria Trip Under Scrutiny
Gabbard’s controversial 2017 visit to Syria will also be a focus of questioning.
- She met with Bashar Assad, then the country’s leader, despite his regime’s use of chemical weapons.
- Critics accused her of legitimizing a dictator.
- Gabbard later expressed doubts that Assad had used chemical weapons, contradicting U.S. intelligence findings.
Surveillance Policy Reversal
Gabbard once pushed to repeal Section 702, a key surveillance tool that allows intelligence agencies to monitor suspected terrorists overseas.
- She previously argued that it violated Americans’ privacy rights.
- She now supports the program, citing new privacy safeguards.
Republicans Rally Around Gabbard Despite Early Doubts
While Democrats remain skeptical, many Republicans are backing Gabbard’s nomination, arguing that she deserves a fair confirmation process.
- Sen. Tom Cotton reviewed her security clearance background checks, calling them “clean as a whistle.”
- GOP lawmakers say questions about her past views are valid, but they reject doubts about her loyalty.
Final Thoughts: A Crucial Test for Gabbard’s Future
Gabbard’s confirmation hearing will be pivotal in determining whether she can overcome bipartisan skepticism. With thin Republican margins in the Senate, her ability to convince skeptical lawmakers will be key to securing confirmation.
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