Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence (DNI), is facing strong skepticism from key senators ahead of her confirmation hearing.
The former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, known for her military background and unconventional views, could face rejection if she fails to secure enough Republican support during Thursday’s crucial Senate Intelligence Committee hearing.
Why Gabbard’s Confirmation Is Uncertain
Gabbard’s path to confirmation is narrow due to concerns over several controversial issues, including:
- Her 2017 meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.
- Her past calls to pardon Edward Snowden, the National Security Agency whistleblower.
- Her opposition to renewing key surveillance powers under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
With no background in intelligence, Gabbard’s nomination to oversee 18 U.S. spy agencies has raised questions about her qualifications and positions on national security matters.
Republican Senators on the Fence
Gabbard’s confirmation hinges on support from every Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, which is made up of 9 Republicans and 8 Democrats. If she loses even one Republican vote, her nomination could be blocked.
Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, a key swing vote, remains undecided. Collins has expressed concerns over Gabbard’s stance on Section 702, a critical surveillance tool that allows the U.S. to collect communications of foreigners abroad without a warrant.
Gabbard initially opposed renewing the law but has since reversed her position, calling it essential for national security. “Significant FISA reforms have been enacted since my time in Congress to address issues of civil liberty protections,” Gabbard said.
However, Collins said her responses have been “hedged and unclear,” leaving doubts about her commitment to balancing security with privacy rights.
Controversial Meeting with Bashar al-Assad
One of the most contentious issues is Gabbard’s 2017 secret trip to Syria, where she met with Assad, whose regime was known for committing atrocities during the country’s civil war. The meeting triggered bipartisan backlash, with lawmakers criticizing her for seemingly legitimizing a dictator responsible for chemical attacks on civilians.
Gabbard defended her decision by saying the meeting aimed to explore the possibility of peace. “If we profess to care about the suffering of the Syrian people, we need to meet with anyone necessary to achieve peace,” she said at the time.
However, Gabbard drew further scrutiny when she cast doubt on whether the Assad regime was responsible for a chemical weapons attack, despite international experts confirming that the attack came from Syrian government sites.
Past Defense of Edward Snowden
Gabbard’s views on Edward Snowden also remain a sticking point. In 2020, she called for the dismissal of charges against Snowden, who leaked classified details about U.S. government surveillance programs. Snowden, who has been living in exile in Russia since 2013, is considered a traitor by many lawmakers.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, highlighted this as a key issue ahead of the hearing, saying, “Why do you think Edward Snowden should be held as a hero? I certainly don’t.”
Comments on Ukraine Stir Controversy
Gabbard’s past statements on Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine have also raised concerns among senators. At the time, she suggested that the conflict could have been avoided if NATO and the Biden administration had acknowledged Russia’s “legitimate security concerns” about Ukraine joining NATO.
Her comments were viewed by critics as sympathetic to Russian interests and aligned with Russian propaganda. Republican Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas acknowledged the controversy but described Gabbard as a “disrupter” and said he still had confidence in her ability to bring a fresh perspective to the role of DNI.
What’s Next?
Gabbard’s confirmation hearing on Thursday will be pivotal. If she cannot convince key Republican senators, including Susan Collins and others on the Intelligence Committee, her nomination may be blocked. Senators like Lindsey Graham have expressed a wait-and-see approach, wanting to hear her full explanation on controversial issues before making a final decision.
If confirmed, Gabbard would face the daunting task of managing the country’s 18 intelligence agencies and navigating national security challenges while balancing concerns over privacy rights and civil liberties.
Tulsi Gabbard’s unconventional views and past controversies have put her nomination at risk. While some Republicans admire her outsider status and disruptive approach, others are wary of her positions on key national security issues like Section 702, Syria, and Snowden.
As she prepares for her confirmation hearing, Gabbard’s ability to provide clear, confident answers will be crucial in determining whether she secures enough support to become the nation’s next director of national intelligence.