Tulsi Gabbard, the former Hawaii congresswoman and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, faced sharp questioning from both parties on Thursday during her Senate Intelligence Committee confirmation hearing for the role of Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Her history of unconventional national security positions and past statements on key intelligence issues took center stage, leaving her path to confirmation uncertain.
Gabbard, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, fielded intense inquiries about her stance on intelligence-gathering tools, her 2017 meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, and her past opposition to the killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani. Senators also grilled her on her 2020 legislation advocating for the dismissal of charges against whistleblower Edward Snowden, pressing her to explicitly state whether she considered him a “traitor.” While she acknowledged that Snowden “broke the law,” she avoided the label, frustrating both Republicans and Democrats.
“That is not a hard question to answer!” said an exasperated Senator Michael Bennet (D., Colo.), with Senator Todd Young (R., Ind.) adding that her reluctance to strongly condemn Snowden was “notable.”
A Narrow Path to Confirmation
With Senate Republicans holding a slim 53-seat majority, Gabbard’s nomination still hinges on the support of the Intelligence Committee, where a single Republican defection could block her from advancing to a full Senate vote. Senators Susan Collins (R., Maine) and Todd Young (R., Ind.) have yet to publicly commit, raising speculation about her chances. One unnamed GOP senator recently told National Review that opposition from enough committee members could prevent the nomination from even reaching the Senate floor.
Beyond the Intelligence Committee, other key Republican votes remain uncertain, including Senator John Curtis (R., Utah) and former Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.), who recently voted against Trump’s Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth.
Concerns Over Independence and Intelligence Priorities
Throughout the hearing, Gabbard insisted that she would operate independently and focus solely on intelligence, not politics. However, senators questioned whether she would provide unbiased assessments, particularly concerning threats from Russia.
“I want to make certain that in no way does Russia get a pass in either your mind or your heart, or in any policy recommendation you might make,” said Senator Jerry Moran (R., Kan.).
“I’m offended by the question,” Gabbard shot back, firmly stating that no country, group, or individual would receive special treatment under her watch.
In her opening remarks, Gabbard dismissed concerns about her political views, arguing that her critics were more upset by her “consistent record of independence” than by any specific policy stance. She also emphasized her alignment with President Donald Trump, who nominated her, stating that both share a commitment to “defending our country and reforming Washington with a fierce and unparalleled independence.”
Trump’s Other Picks Face Senate Scrutiny
Gabbard wasn’t the only nominee under the spotlight on Thursday. Kash Patel, Trump’s pick to lead the FBI, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his choice for Secretary of Health and Human Services, also faced their respective Senate confirmation hearings. Like Gabbard, both have generated controversy, setting the stage for contentious confirmation battles in the weeks ahead.
For now, Gabbard’s fate remains uncertain, with key Republican senators yet to declare their positions. Her upcoming closed-door classified hearing may prove crucial in swaying skeptical lawmakers. If she fails to secure enough support, Trump’s intelligence team could face an early setback in his new administration.
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