WASHINGTON — Tulsi Gabbard has advanced in her nomination process for the position of Director of National Intelligence, with the U.S. Senate moving towards a final vote set for later this week.
The final confirmation vote could take place as early as Wednesday, following a procedural vote on Monday that passed 52-46 and fell along party lines.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, established after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, oversees 18 intelligence agencies and coordinates their efforts.
Gabbard, a former Democratic Congresswoman, is among the most controversial nominees of President Donald Trump. Her past remarks regarding Edward Snowden, Russia, and a meeting with Syria’s former leader have fueled significant debate.
With all Democratic senators opposed and a narrow Republican majority, Gabbard’s confirmation will rely heavily on bipartisan support. Her prospects improved recently after certain Republican lawmakers overcame their initial hesitations, bolstered by support from Trump allies.
Gabbard serves as a lieutenant colonel in the National Guard and has two deployments in the Middle East. She was also a presidential candidate in 2020.
During her nomination hearing, Gabbard faced intense scrutiny over her previous support for Snowden, who is accused of leaking classified information concerning surveillance measures.
She stated that although Snowden broke laws regarding classified information, his disclosures highlighted serious issues regarding surveillance practices that she believes infringe on constitutional rights.
Her 2017 visit to meet with Syrian President Bashar Assad has also been a contentious topic, following Assad’s removal after a devastating civil conflict marked by allegations of chemical weapon use. Critics accused Gabbard of legitimizing a dictator, especially after she expressed skepticism about the accusations against Assad.
In defense of her meeting with Assad, Gabbard asserted that she intended to question the Syrian leader about his human rights practices.
Additionally, Gabbard has faced criticism for repeating Kremlin narratives surrounding the conflict in Ukraine and has had a complex stance on U.S. surveillance tactics, indicating a shift in her views over time.
