A combative nomination hearing raises more questions about Gabbard's qualifications
Introduction
President Donald Trump’s nominee to be the nation’s top spy chief faced a volley of combative questions from Democrats at her nomination hearing Thursday — while Republicans early on rushed to defend her character and integrity.
Gabbard’s Response
For her part, Tulsi Gabbard lost no time in going on the offensive. She vowed to end what she described as political bias in the intel community, and called the attacks on her record “lies and smears.”
Concerns Raised
Gabbard may be so unqualified to be director of national intelligence that having her serve in the role would violate the very law establishing it, as noted by Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.).
Sen. Warner highlighted the need for extensive national security expertise in the nominee, expressing significant concerns about Gabbard’s judgment and qualifications.
Republicans’ Perspective
Republicans inside the hearing room painted a starkly different picture of Gabbard, portraying her as a patriot with unconventional foreign policy views that have been misrepresented by Democrats and the press.
Gabbard’s Criticisms
Gabbard used her opening statement to criticize the U.S. intelligence community, pointing out alleged failures in various investigations and assessments.
Challenging Moments
One particularly explosive moment of the hearing was sparked by Gabbard’s refusal to label Edward Snowden a traitor, which drew strong reactions from both Democrats and Republicans on the panel.
Section 702 Controversy
Gabbard’s shifting stance on Section 702 surveillance authority, from opposition to support with reforms, raised concerns and questions from panel members, highlighting potential inconsistencies in her position.
Conclusion
As the nomination hearing unfolds, the questions surrounding Tulsi Gabbard’s qualifications for the role of director of national intelligence continue to intensify, setting the stage for a critical decision on her confirmation.
