Tulsi Gabbard, President Trump’s nominee for national intelligence director, forcefully rejected accusations of being a Russian asset during her Senate confirmation hearing. She declared, “I refuse to be their puppet,” emphasizing her commitment to the Constitution and American values. The hearing exposed deep divisions and raised questions about the intelligence community’s future under her potential leadership.
Gabbard Faces Intense Scrutiny
The confirmation hearing for Tulsi Gabbard as national intelligence director was marked by intense questioning from both Democrats and Republicans. Senators probed her past statements and positions on various national security issues.
Gabbard, a former Democrat and 2020 presidential candidate, faced skepticism due to her lack of formal intelligence experience. Her criticism of U.S. military interventions and past meetings with controversial figures like Syrian President Bashar al-Assad were points of contention.
Today is the confirmation hearing for our colleague Tulsi Gabbard. Ever since her nomination for Director of National Intelligence, the Deep State has fought back.
Tulsi MUST be confirmed to root out Deep State corruption. Sign our petition to join us. https://t.co/CfKivh6vHX
— Jay Sekulow (@JaySekulow) January 30, 2025
Defending Her Record
During the hearing, Gabbard addressed accusations of being influenced by foreign powers. She stated, “Those who oppose my nomination imply that I am loyal to something or someone other than God, my own conscience, and the Constitution of the United States.”
“The same tactic was used against President Trump and failed. The American people elected President Trump with a decisive victory and a mandate for change. The fact is, what truly unsettles my political opponents is that I refuse to be their puppet.”
Gabbard clarified her stance on key issues, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict. She unequivocally stated, “Putin started the war in Ukraine,” distancing herself from accusations of supporting Kremlin propaganda.
LIVE #BetweenTheNumbers at 2PM EST — Tulsi Gabbard faces down the Deep State during confirmation hearing. Plus, Democrats are VERY unpopular. https://t.co/rZM89wzW9A
— Rich Baris The People's Pundit (@Peoples_Pundit) January 30, 2025
Challenges Ahead
Despite her forceful defense, Gabbard faces significant challenges in gaining confirmation. Her past criticisms of intelligence agencies and controversial statements have raised concerns about her ability to lead effectively.
President Trump has reportedly threatened repercussions against Republicans opposing Gabbard’s confirmation, highlighting the political stakes involved. The outcome of this confirmation process could have far-reaching implications for the future of U.S. intelligence operations.
As the hearing concluded, it became clear that Gabbard’s nomination has opened a broader debate about the role of intelligence agencies and the direction of national security policy under a potential second Trump administration. The coming weeks will likely see intense discussions as senators weigh the merits of her nomination.
Sources:
Tulsi Gabbard faces a barrage of questions during her confirmation hearing : NPR
Tulsi Gabbard confirmation hearing: Well that was a disaster!