Director of National Intelligence nominee Tulsi Gabbard faced sharp Republican scrutiny during her Senate confirmation hearing, as her past views on NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden have become a major roadblock to her confirmation.
Republicans demand clarity on Snowden
During Thursday’s hearing, several GOP senators pressed Gabbard to unequivocally label Snowden a “traitor” and acknowledge that his actions harmed U.S. national security. However, Gabbard refused to do so, repeatedly stating that Snowden “broke the law” but pivoting to focus on preventing future intelligence leaks.
Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.), who had previously indicated support for Gabbard, was visibly frustrated with her reluctance to denounce Snowden.
“I was surprised, because that doesn’t seem like a hard question,” Lankford said. “It wasn’t intended to be a trick question.”
Past support for Snowden raises concerns
Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), another key vote, challenged Gabbard on her past advocacy for Snowden’s pardon, pointing to bipartisan findings that Snowden’s leaks caused “tremendous damage” to national security.
“You have argued many times that he should be pardoned,” Young said, questioning how intelligence professionals would react to a leader with such views.
Gabbard did not directly address her past support for Snowden, instead stating that she would not advocate for any pardon or clemency if confirmed.
Senate Intelligence Committee divided
GOP senators are now weighing whether to back Gabbard’s nomination. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said reactions to the hearing were mixed.
“Everybody is going to come to their own conclusions. There were issues she had to deal with and address. We’ll see how it goes,” Thune said.
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), a crucial swing vote, appeared more satisfied after receiving Gabbard’s assurance that she would not seek a pardon for Snowden. However, Collins remains concerned about Gabbard’s stance on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which authorizes expansive government surveillance and is a key intelligence tool.
Nomination in jeopardy
With Republicans holding a narrow majority on the Intelligence Committee, a single defection could derail Gabbard’s confirmation. One GOP senator, speaking anonymously, said her nomination is “in trouble.”
“If you’re on the Intelligence Committee and you have any respect for the Intelligence Committee, you’re a Republican, and you got someone in front of you who can’t denounce Snowden as being a traitor to the United States… it’s clear that they’re afraid she can’t be trusted,” a Democratic senator added.
As the confirmation process continues, Gabbard must work to reassure skeptical Republicans if she hopes to secure the votes needed for approval.
