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- Tulsi Gabbard has bold plans to reform US intelligence as DNI (newsbreak.com)
Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is facing a tough confirmation hearing for the role of Director of National Intelligence (DNI). If confirmed, she would break multiple barriers, becoming the youngest, first millennial, first Asian American, and second woman to hold the position.
However, her nomination is facing significant scrutiny. Senators are questioning her past statements, which some perceive as supportive of U.S. adversaries and dictators.
Her relative lack of intelligence experience is also a concern. The vote is expected to be close, with Gabbard needing almost unanimous Republican support.
Committee Chairman Tom Cotton defended Gabbard against accusations of disloyalty, citing her clean background checks. He acknowledged her “unconventional views” but attributed Democratic criticism to their frustration over her leaving the party.
The committee’s top Democrat, Senator Mark Warner, expressed “significant concerns” about Gabbard’s judgment, highlighting her controversial public statements. He questioned whether she intentionally defended dictators or simply lacked awareness of the implications of her words.
Gabbard addressed the criticism head-on, accusing her opponents of spreading lies and smears to challenge her patriotism. She compared these attacks to those faced by former President Trump and insisted she would not be anyone’s “puppet.”
Gabbard’s career has been marked by breaking barriers. She has achieved numerous “firsts” in her military and political career. She has been preparing extensively for the hearings, consulting with former DNI leaders, CIA directors, and other officials.
Despite these preparations, Gabbard’s past stances on Russia, Ukraine, Syria, Iran, and her defense of Julian Assange and Edward Snowden will likely draw intense scrutiny. Her shifting position on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is also expected to be a topic of discussion.
Gabbard has been actively meeting with senators, primarily Republicans, to address their concerns. A source close to her described her as difficult to categorize politically, noting her alignment with Trump’s “America First” foreign policy.
Gabbard’s policy views have evolved significantly since her time as a Democrat. Her 22 years of military service, including deployments overseas, have shaped her perspective. If confirmed, she would be the first female DNI with military experience.
She has received support from unexpected corners, including families of former hostages and the National Sheriffs’ Association. They cite her compassion and commitment to bridging the gap between federal agencies and local law enforcement.
Gabbard’s stated priorities as DNI include restoring trust in the intelligence community and reforming classification practices. She aims to provide lawmakers with more accurate and less overclassified information.
Her supporters believe her outsider status will be an asset, while critics question her lack of traditional experience. The confirmation hearing will ultimately determine whether she can overcome the controversy surrounding her past and secure the position.
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- Tulsi Gabbard has bold plans to reform US intelligence as DNI (newsbreak.com)