Tulsi Gabbard advances in the director of the national intelligence nomination

 February 4, 2025

Former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard's nomination for a crucial intelligence position sparks heated debate among Senate committee members.

According to The Washington Post, Gabbard cleared a significant hurdle in her confirmation process as director of national intelligence through a narrow 9-8 party-line vote in the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

The committee's approval sets the stage for a full Senate confirmation vote expected next week, despite intense scrutiny over Gabbard's past controversies and positions on sensitive national security matters.

Her contentious confirmation hearing last week highlighted deep divisions between Republican and Democratic senators regarding her suitability for the role.

Senate committee grills Gabbard about controversial past positions

During the intense confirmation hearing, Gabbard faced tough questioning about her previous statements and actions. Several senators pressed her about her stance on Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor who leaked classified surveillance programs.

The 43-year-old nominee's refusal to label Snowden a traitor drew criticism from committee members. Her past meeting with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and perceived alignment with Russian positions also emerged as major points of contention.

Senator Todd Young expressed concern over Gabbard's reluctance to acknowledge Snowden's impact on national security. The Indiana Republican directly confronted her during the hearing, stating:

I think it would befit you and be helpful to the way you are perceived by members of the intelligence community if you would at least acknowledge that Snowden harmed national security

When Kansas Republican Jerry Moran questioned her about Russian sympathies, Gabbard responded with visible frustration. The exchange highlighted the deep-seated concerns about her past statements that echoed Kremlin talking points.

Social media pressure campaign influences key Senate votes

The period following the confirmation hearing saw an aggressive social media campaign targeting undecided Republican senators. Trump supporters and associates took to various platforms, threatening primary election challenges against committee members who might oppose Gabbard's nomination.

Television personality Roseanne Barr mobilized her 1.4 million X followers to pressure Senators Young, Moran, and Susan Collins, who had all expressed reservations during the hearing.

The pressure campaign appeared to yield results as previously skeptical senators shifted their positions. Young later revealed that conversations with Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Elon Musk influenced his decision to support Gabbard. He noted that the former president encouraged him to vote according to his conscience, and Gabbard's agreement to embrace certain specific language helped secure his backing.

Critical nomination moves forward amid partisan divide

Tulsi Gabbard's nomination as director of national intelligence continues its controversial progression through the Senate confirmation process. The former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii secured committee approval despite significant opposition over her past positions on national security issues and international relations.

Her fate now rests with the full Senate, where the upcoming vote will determine whether she will assume leadership of America's intelligence community in the face of bipartisan concerns about her qualifications and viewpoints.

About Victor Winston

Victor is a freelance writer and researcher who focuses on national politics, geopolitics, and economics.
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