Missouri GOP Senator Raises Concerns About Potential Risks to Gabbard’s Nomination – One America News Network
OAN Staff Blake Wolf
11:18 AM – Friday, January 31, 2025
Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri has indicated that Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as director of national intelligence is facing challenges, noting that some Republican colleagues may vote against her.
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“I’ve been hearing concerning things from some of my Republican colleagues. There’s a real possibility that her nomination could be at risk,” Hawley expressed on Thursday. “I am concerned about the implications of that.”
Gabbard participated in her confirmation hearing on Thursday, where Senators persistently challenged her over allegations of previously “spreading Russian propaganda” about bioweapon labs in Ukraine and her refusal to condemn Edward Snowden, who exposed unlawful government surveillance activities in 2013.
During the session, Gabbard stated: “You will encounter falsehoods and slanders questioning my loyalty to and love for this nation. Those opposing my nomination suggest that I am loyal to interests other than God, my conscience, and the Constitution of the United States.”
“They accuse me of being a puppet for Trump, Putin, Assad, a guru, and Modi, failing to recognize the absurdity of being controlled by five ‘puppet masters’ at once. I have no affection for Assad or any despotic leader,” Gabbard went on.
“What truly disturbs my political adversaries is my refusal to be their puppet,” Gabbard added.
Gabbard, previously a representative from Hawaii, transitioned from the Democratic party to the GOP.
Reports indicate that Republican Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) remain uncertain about supporting Gabbard’s confirmation.
Senator Young highlighted that he found it “notable” that Gabbard wouldn’t acknowledge Snowden’s actions caused “tremendous damage to national security,” according to his remarks.
Gabbard can only afford to lose three votes within the Republican party, expecting all Democrats to oppose her confirmation.
Political analyst Robert Collins from Dillard University noted: “She (Gabbard) is arguably the most at risk among Trump’s nominees. The outcome will hinge on moderate Republicans like Bill Cassidy from Louisiana. The same Republicans who had concerns with Pete Hegseth also have issues with Gabbard, and Hegseth barely succeeded with a 50-50 vote. If she secures Cassidy’s support, she is likely to be confirmed. If not, she’s in a vulnerable position. Currently, she seems to be on track for a potential narrow confirmation victory.”
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