Washington – Tulsi Gabbard is on the verge of potentially becoming the next Director of National Intelligence after the U.S. Senate moved her nomination forward on Monday, putting it in line for a final confirmation vote expected later this week.
The Senate’s procedural vote, which concluded with a 52-46 count to end debate over her nomination, showcased the clear divisions along party lines. A final decision regarding Gabbard’s confirmation might occur as soon as Wednesday.
Established in response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence is tasked with overseeing and coordinating the activities of 18 distinct intelligence agencies.
Gabbard, a former congresswoman for the Democratic Party, has become one of the most contentious nominees put forth by former President Donald Trump. Her controversial reputation stems largely from her prior remarks that appeared to express sympathy for Edward Snowden, her association with Russia, and a meeting she had with Syria’s ousted president.
With significant opposition from Democrats and only a slim majority within the Republican Party, nearly all GOP senators will need to support her nomination for her to be confirmed. Last week, however, Gabbard’s prospects improved as some Republican lawmakers who had previously expressed reservations about her candidacy began to endorse her after pressure was applied by Trump allies, including influential figures like Elon Musk.
Gabbard holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the National Guard and has twice been deployed to the Middle East. She also made a bid for the presidency in 2020. Her previous commendations of Snowden have sparked intense scrutiny, especially during her Senate nomination hearing. Snowden, a former NSA contractor, gained notoriety for leaking classified information about surveillance programs and subsequently sought asylum in Russia.
While acknowledging that Snowden violated laws regarding classified information, Gabbard argued that he nonetheless brought to light significant revelations about surveillance programs that she views as unconstitutional.
Another controversial aspect of her past includes a visit to Syrian leader Bashar Assad in 2017. Assad was recently removed from power amid a devastating civil war, during which he was accused of deploying chemical weapons against his own people. Following this visit, Gabbard faced backlash for apparently legitimizing a dictator and encountered further inquiries regarding her skepticism about whether Assad had used chemical weapons.
Gabbard defended her meeting with Assad, claiming that she had seized the chance to confront him about human rights abuses. Additionally, she has echoed Russian narratives justifying the invasion of Ukraine and, despite having opposed a critical U.S. surveillance program in the past, has shifted her stance to now express support for it.
