Tulsi Gabbard's nomination to lead the National Intelligence is embroiled in controversy, with growing uncertainties about her chances for confirmation following a challenging Senate hearing. The former congresswoman from Hawaii, nominated by President Donald Trump, faces inquiries from both sides of the political aisle, particularly around her past comments on Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor who leaked classified information and now lives in Russia. During her Senate Intelligence Committee hearing last week, Gabbard refused to label Snowden, accused by many of being a traitor, as such, triggering broad concerns about her suitability for the position.
Skepticism surrounding Gabbard's nomination has permeated Washington, as Democratic senators are expected to unanimously oppose her confirmation. Republican senators have also expressed their doubts, prompting predictions of her narrow path to securing approval. "It's 50-50 she gets through," one source familiar with the confirmation process told NBC News, reflecting the precarious nature of Gabbard’s situation.
Gabbard drew significant attention during the hearing when pressed by Senator James Lankford, R-Okla., to explicitly denounce Snowden. Her response, highlighting her dedication to the Constitution and national security but falling short of calling Snowden a traitor, raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. "Senator, I’m focused on the future and how we can prevent something like this from happening again," she stated, emphasizing her military and congressional experience.
The White House, acknowledging the uphill battle Gabbard faces, has continued to show support. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked, "President Trump nominated Tulsi Gabbard because he believes she will do an excellent job as the Director of National Intelligence, and we expect the Senate to confirm her." Invitations for senators to submit questions or voice concerns post-hearing reflect their awareness of the challenges Gabbard must navigate.
Complicatory aspects of Gabbard's candidacy include her previous praise for Snowden, whom she dubbed “a brave whistleblower” during her 2020 presidential bid. This history led to inquiries from both Republicans and Democrats questioning her potential actions if confirmed. Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, directly asked, "Would you advocate for clemency or a pardon for Snowden if you were confirmed as DNI?" Gabbard asserted her primary responsibility would be ensuring national security and indicated she wouldn't advocate for any actions related to Snowden.
Yet, concerns over Gabbard's ability to effectively lead the intelligence community continue to swirl. Senator Josh Hawley, R-Mo., expressed anxiety about her future intentions, noting, "I am worried her nomination may be in jeopardy." With Democrats poised to block her confirmation, Gabbard can only afford to lose three Republican votes to secure confirmation—a challenging threshold, considering the uncertainty among GOP members.
Support for Gabbard has emerged from some quarters, particularly from Republican senators like Lindsey Graham, who affirmed his backing post-hearing. Graham described Gabbard as someone with whom he served and valued her approach during the hearing. "I think a lot of her criticism against her has been really mean and off-base," Graham said, emphasizing the camaraderie and respect he holds for her. His support may provide strategic leverage as Gabbard's team seeks to solidify her standing with other undecided senators.
Yet, not all Republican senators seem inclined to support her; GOP Senators Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins, and Todd Young are among those whose votes will be pivotal after Gabbard's tumultuous hearing. With just one Republican vote to spare, moderates like Collins become key players. Collins praised Gabbard’s answers, particularly her response concerning Snowden, yet the lack of unequivocal condemnation may cost Gabbard dearly within the party.
Political analysts suggest Gabbard is the most vulnerable of Trump's nominees to date. Robert Collins, Dillard University professor, claimed, "It will come down to moderate Republicans like Bill Cassidy of Louisiana." The bipartisan nature of apprehensions surrounding Gabbard signals the gravity of her nomination, compelling her to build alliances across party lines to usher her confirmation through the Senate.
Despite the storm, Gabbard remains resolved. Entering the hearing equipped with extensive preparation and mock sessions, she expressed commitment to safeguarding U.S. intelligence operations. "I have shown throughout my almost 22 years of service how seriously I take the privilege of having access to classified information," she noted during the hearing.
Gabbard's nomination stands as one of the most debated selections among Trump's cabinet picks, owing to her history of controversial positions, including her meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and statements reflecting pro-Russian sentiments. Concerns about her ties to Assad have reanimated scrutiny about her stance on U.S. relationships abroad, raising questions about her capacity to handle national security matters effectively.
With the Senate Intelligence Committee set to vote soon on whether to advance Gabbard’s nomination to the full Senate, the outcome remains uncertain. Regardless of the ultimate decision, Gabbard’s contentious nomination process starkly highlights the divisions within the current political climate and reflects broader issues at play within U.S. foreign policy and intelligence matters moving forward.