Tulsi Gabbard's nomination for Director of National Intelligence faced its first test during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing. Her refusal to label Edward Snowden a traitor dominated the debate, raising concerns about her judgment and commitment to national security.
Tulsi Gabbard , the Republican nominee for Director of National Intelligence, faced her first confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday. While she received praise for her knowledge and experience, her stance on Edward Snowden , an infamous leaker of classified U.S. intelligence, became a contentious issue. Senators repeatedly pressed her to call Snowden a traitor, but she refused, stating that while he broke the law, he also exposed harmful government programs.
This refusal drew criticism from both sides of the aisle, with some senators arguing that her position undermined national security. Gabbard's past support for Snowden, including a 2020 tweet calling for his pardon, also came under scrutiny. Senators questioned her about a 2017 trip to Syria, where she met with then-leader Bashar Assad. Her skepticism of U.S. and international concerns about Assad's alleged use of chemical weapons was also challenged. Gabbard defended her trip, emphasizing the importance of direct engagement and dialogue, even with adversaries. She stated that she had questioned Assad about his regime's actions, including the use of chemical weapons. The hearing revealed a deep divide on the committee regarding Gabbard's suitability for the position. While some senators, including Republicans who indicated a willingness to support her, seemed impressed by her knowledge and qualifications, others expressed serious concerns about her stance on Snowden and her past actions. The outcome of her confirmation remains uncertain, with the Intelligence Committee's vote expected to be closely watched.
Tulsi Gabbard Director Of National Intelligence Confirmation Hearing Edward Snowden Syria
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