Former congresswoman and U.S. Army Reserve lieutenant colonel Tulsi Gabbard is facing intense scrutiny as she vies for the confirmation to become the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Gabbard, nominated by President Donald Trump, has encountered considerable opposition and skepticism from both Democratic and Republican senators, particularly following her recent confirmation hearing.
During this high-stakes hearing, one moment stood out: when Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.) repeatedly pressed Gabbard to define Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor who leaked classified documents, as a traitor. Gabbard's evasiveness on this key question left many senators questioning her suitability for such a significant role overseeing U.S. intelligence operations. “It’s 50-50 she gets through,” remarked one insider familiar with the situation.
Interest surrounding her nomination has intensified due to her controversial past, which includes her 2017 meeting with Syria's Bashar al-Assad and her differing views on U.S. military intervention abroad. Nearly 100 former intelligence officials have called for caution, urging senators to carefully review her record before making a decision. Critics worry her past actions could undermine U.S. relationships with foreign intelligence partners.
Despite this, Gabbard has expressed her commitment to national security. During her hearing, she stated, “My heart is with my commitment to our Constitution and our nation’s security,” emphasizing her military service and dedication to protecting classified information.
Support for Gabbard’s nomination also stems from President Trump. He has voiced his confidence, stating she will bring the “fearless spirit” of her military career to the intelligence community. Trump’s endorsement is bolstered by his son, Donald Trump Jr., who warned Republican senators against voting against Gabbard, asserting, “Any Republican senator who votes against @TulsiGabbard deserves a primary.”
Elon Musk, who previously criticized Senator Todd Young for his indecision about Gabbard, recently praised him as a “great ally” following their conversation. Young, who is on the Senate Intelligence Committee and plays a key role in Gabbard’s confirmation, has publicly questioned Gabbard's qualifications and raised concerns about her views.
Gabbard’s nomination is particularly precarious as Democratic senators are expected to oppose her outright. To secure confirmation, she must persuade at least three Republican senators to vote for her. Following her hearing, some Republicans, initially supportive, echoed concerns expressed by their Democratic colleagues. Lankford’s remarks suggested uncertainty, stating, “I think there are a lot of questions after” Gabbard’s performance.
Apart from the political maneuvering, Gabbard’s financial standing has also attracted attention. She recently disclosed her net worth ranges between $55 million and $127 million, including investments and properties. This wealth has prompted discussions surrounding her financial influences and connections.
Critics argue her statements on foreign policy and her past meeting with Assad raise alarms about potential biases. Lewis Lukens, former deputy chief of mission at the U.S. embassy in London, remarked, “Gabbard's dubious judgement could give allies reason to question how safe it is to share intelligence with the U.S.” Particularly troubling to some is Gabbard's past description of Snowden as “a brave whistleblower” and her 2019 remark expressing willingness to pardon him, which she later nuanced during the hearing.
Her critics have labeled her stances as aligning with the Kremlin narrative, particularly following her declarations during the Ukraine crisis, which some interpreted as supportive of Russia’s position. Nikki Haley, former UN ambassador, reiterated doubts about Gabbard's loyalties, referring to her as potentially compromised: “This is not a place for a Russian, Iranian, Syrian, Chinese sympathiser.”
The overall response to Gabbard's nomination reflects the polarized atmosphere surrounding national security and intelligence issues. Some Republican senators have expressed reluctance, yet others maintain she could still secure committee and Senate support. For example, Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) later announced plans to support Gabbard after publicly assessing her performance.
The path forward remains fraught with uncertainty as the Senate Intelligence Committee now deliberates whether to advance her nomination. With both bipartisan concerns and support mingling within the political discourse, Gabbard’s fate as DNI hinges upon the dynamic reactions of key figures and the collective judgment of the Senate.
Her confirmation hearing marks not only the next step for Gabbard but also exposes the broader challenges facing Trump's administration and how partisan divides influence key national security positions.