This is not what Trump was wanting to hear. His plans are falling apart.
Because a U.S. Senator gave Trump news that made him furious beyond belief.
Sen. Josh Hawley Expresses Concerns Over Tulsi Gabbard’s Confirmation as Director of National Intelligence
Republican Missouri Senator Josh Hawley expressed concern on Thursday about the prospects of Tulsi Gabbard’s confirmation as Director of National Intelligence (DNI). While Gabbard has gained support from some Republican figures, Hawley fears that not enough of his colleagues in the Senate will back her, potentially putting her nomination in jeopardy.
Hawley’s concerns stem from the fact that some members of his party have not openly supported Gabbard, who has been outspoken in her criticism of U.S. government policies, particularly with regard to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Gabbard has publicly criticized the U.S. government’s spending, calling out the more than $200 billion allocated to the war, and she has accused the “power elite” of placing American lives at risk for the sake of Ukraine’s interests.
The former congresswoman’s views have sparked controversy, and she has found herself at odds with figures within both major political parties. Among her most vocal critics are Democrats, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who have accused Gabbard of being a “Russian asset” and a potential threat to national security.
In response to these criticisms, Sen. Hawley voiced his concerns in a Thursday statement, saying, “I have to tell you, I’m worried by what I hear from some of my Republican colleagues. I’m worried that her nomination may be in jeopardy, and I’m just worried what that will mean. It will mean that the reforms that we need in the intelligence space, let’s not just pretend everything is fine and dandy and hunky dory in the intelligence community. It’s not. Besides the fact that they have missed major, major issues and besides the fact that they led us on COVID for example for so long. We need reform to stop things like FISA Section 702, stop spying on Americans, I hope Tulsi gets confirmed because we need that kind of reform.”
Hawley’s comments are in lockstep with growing concerns about the intelligence community’s handling of sensitive issues, including surveillance practices and the need for reform. Gabbard has long advocated for changes to the intelligence system, particularly in terms of protecting civil liberties and addressing programs such as FISA Section 702, which allows warrantless surveillance of Americans.
During Gabbard’s confirmation hearing on Thursday, senators from both parties focused their questions on her views surrounding key intelligence issues, including the controversial matter of whistleblower Edward Snowden. Gabbard had previously introduced a resolution in 2020 calling for the charges against Snowden to be dropped. Snowden, a former NSA contractor, exposed the mass surveillance of Americans’ communications by the NSA, leading to his prosecution on espionage charges. While Gabbard acknowledged that Snowden had “broken the law,” she clarified that she did not view him as a traitor. Her stance on Snowden has drawn criticism, particularly from Republicans who remain sensitive to issues of national security.
In her hearing, Gabbard also expressed support for FISA Section 702, although she emphasized the need for stronger civil liberties protections. This has put her at odds with some members of the intelligence community who are wary of her stance on surveillance practices.
Despite Gabbard’s support for intelligence reform, some Republican senators have been hesitant to back her confirmation. Notably, several senators who previously supported former President Joe Biden’s nominee for DNI, Avril Haines, have not made clear whether they will extend that same support to Gabbard. Among these undecided senators are Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Sen. John Curtis of Utah, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine.
In addition to the political pushback she’s faced from some Republicans, Gabbard has been a subject of scrutiny by the intelligence community. The former congresswoman has been critical of what she views as overreach in surveillance efforts, particularly those associated with the NSA’s mass surveillance program. Gabbard’s own experience with the intelligence community came to light when whistleblowers revealed that the TSA and Federal Air Marshals placed her on a terror watchlist known as “Quiet Skies.” This surveillance program, which has raised concerns about privacy violations, reportedly subjected Gabbard to extended screenings at airports, sometimes lasting up to 45 minutes.
Gabbard remains resolute in her pursuit of intelligence reform and her vision for a more transparent, accountable system. Whether or not she can garner the support she needs from the Senate remains to be seen, but as Hawley noted, her confirmation could be pivotal in shaping the future of the intelligence community in the United States.
The Conservative Column will bring you any major updates to the ongoing confirmation process for Tulsi Gabbard.
