WASHINGTON — Tulsi Gabbard, an unusual choice for the head of the nation’s intelligence services, faced intense scrutiny regarding her past statements on various subjects during her confirmation hearing. Nominated by former President Trump for the role of director of national intelligence, a position established following the events of September 11, 2001, she would be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the activities of more than a dozen intelligence entities.
Gabbard, a lieutenant colonel in the National Guard, has two tours in the Middle East under her belt. However, her history of remarks that appeared sympathetic toward Russia and whistleblower Edward Snowden, as well as her criticism of an essential surveillance initiative, have raised alarms among national security officials both domestically and internationally.
On the topic of Russia and Ukraine, Gabbard has echoed views consistent with Russian narratives regarding its military actions in Ukraine. She has suggested that Moscow had valid reasons for its invasion and supported claims that U.S. and Ukrainian entities engaged in risky biological research prior to the war. Additionally, she labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s government as a “corrupt autocracy” and expressed understanding for Russia’s concerns related to Ukraine’s aspiration to join NATO.
Her tweet at the onset of the invasion in 2022 noted, “This war and suffering could have easily been avoided if Biden Admin/NATO had simply acknowledged Russia’s legitimate security concerns.” Following the invasion, she perpetuated the false notion propagated by Russian media that the U.S. was conducting secret bioweapons research in Ukraine, overlooking the fact that the labs involved were focused on conventional public health. Gabbard called for the immediate shutdown of these laboratories, and her remarks led to significant backlash from both parties in Congress, with critics accusing her of relaying Russian propaganda.
During her hearing, Gabbard refuted allegations of promoting pro-Russian sentiments, declaring, “I don’t pay attention to Russian propaganda.” In response to Republican Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas, who queried if she would overlook Russia’s actions if confirmed, she retorted that she was disappointed by the question, asserting her commitment to the security and interests of the United States. “No country, group, or individual will get a pass,” she affirmed.
On Edward Snowden, Gabbard has expressed admiration for the former NSA contractor, who fled to Russia after exposing U.S. surveillance programs. Although many view Snowden as a traitor, Gabbard considers him a “brave whistleblower” deserving of a pardon, which she previously supported in legislation. In a 2019 post, she stated, “If it wasn’t for Snowden, the American people would never have learned the NSA was collecting phone records and spying on Americans.”
When pushed by senators during the hearing, Gabbard refrained from categorically labeling Snowden as a traitor, leading to tense exchanges. While she acknowledged that Snowden had revealed crucial information about surveillance practices deemed unconstitutional, she maintained he breached legal guidelines regarding classified information.
Regarding her previous visit to Syria in 2017 to meet with President Bashar Assad, Gabbard defended her actions amid bipartisan condemnation. She argued that engaging with opponents could foster dialogue and potentially lead to peace, noting, “If we profess to truly care about the Syrian people, then we’ve got to be able to meet with anyone if there is a possibility that we can achieve peace.”
Gabbard faced questions about her skepticism toward allegations that Assad deployed chemical weapons against his people, despite substantial evidence presented by U.S. authorities. She expressed a desire for independent investigations to provide definitive proof of the events. In subsequent statements, she aligned with former President Trump’s perspective that Assad’s regime fell due to a withdrawal of Russian support amid Ukraine’s conflict.
When it comes to government surveillance, Gabbard has undergone a notable transformation in her stance. Initially, as a Congress member, she sought to repeal a program known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which allows warrantless collection of communications from non-U.S. persons abroad for foreign intelligence gathering. She criticized it for potentially infringing upon civil liberties.
In her confirmation hearing, however, Gabbard expressed strong support for Section 702, calling it an essential tool for national security, claiming her previous opposition was aimed at addressing privacy concerns. “My actions were meant to highlight civil liberties violations,” she asserted.
Finally, Gabbard’s complex relationship with Trump, who she had previously criticized harshly during her presidential campaign, is striking. While she openly condemned him back then as unfit for the presidency, during her hearing she framed his election as a chance to reform the intelligence community, previously marred by politicization. She claimed the American people’s choice of Trump represented a clear signal to address cycles of inefficiency.
Once a member of the Democratic Party, Gabbard declared herself an independent in 2022. She has since expressed her dismay over what she sees as the party’s embrace of an “elitist cabal of warmongers” and has actively campaigned for various Republican candidates while contributing to conservative media outlets.
