Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination to be the next Director of National Intelligence is facing challenges as she navigates a rocky road to confirmation. Republican senators have raised concerns about her past statements and foreign dealings, particularly her 2017 meeting with former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. “There are very serious concerns by enough members to put her nomination in jeopardy,” one GOP senator said.
Another Republican senator noted that Gabbard “has a lot of questions to answer.”
Despite the lack of public opposition from Republicans, senior White House aides and allies are worried about Gabbard’s prospects. President Donald Trump remains supportive of her nomination but has told people that “she’s got to prove herself.
Gabbard has met with numerous senators, including Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, who is a member of the Intelligence Committee. Collins said, “I have a lot of questions I want to ask her.
I’ve done some further research and I look forward to that hearing.”
The Intelligence Committee, chaired by Sen.
Gabbard’s DNI confirmation challenges explained
Tom Cotton of Arkansas, is expected to schedule a confirmation hearing once Gabbard’s paperwork, including her FBI background check, is complete.
Some Republicans are comparing Gabbard’s nomination to a boat with barnacles, slowing down the process. Initial meetings with senators left some feeling that she was unprepared to answer basic questions about the responsibilities of the Director of National Intelligence. Gabbard’s reversal on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which allows warrantless surveillance of foreign targets, has helped her gain support from Sen.
James Lankford of Oklahoma, an Intelligence Committee member. As Gabbard continues to engage with senators and address their concerns, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome of her confirmation process. While challenges remain, her efforts to improve and clarify her positions have kept the possibility of confirmation alive.
