Gabbard Set to Testify Before Senate Intelligence Committee Next Week
The former Congresswoman’s prior opposition to the intelligence community may present initial challenges during her confirmation process.
Tulsi Gabbard is set to testify before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence next week as she seeks confirmation for her appointment as the next director of national intelligence.
An advisory from the committee shared with The Epoch Times revealed that the confirmation hearing is scheduled for the morning of Jan. 30.
Previously, Gabbard represented Hawaii as a Democrat in the House from 2013 to 2021, serving on several House Committees including Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, and Armed Services, along with its Subcommittee on Intelligence and Special Operations.
She enlisted in the Hawaii Army National Guard in 2003, transferred to the Army Reserve in 2020, and currently holds the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Gabbard’s political journey has encountered challenges. She began to diverge from Democratic Party norms in 2016 when she endorsed Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) over former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during the primaries.
“I’m proud to announce that I’m joining the Republican Party today because of my love for our nation and the leadership President Trump has provided to realign the Republican Party as one that serves the people and advocates for peace,” Gabbard stated during her announcement.
Gabbard has consistently clashed with Washington’s intelligence establishment due to her unconventional policy views, particularly her prior stance advocating for the repeal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
FISA 702 permits U.S. intelligence agencies to conduct extensive data collection from foreign targets via large-scale surveillance operations, which can inadvertently gather sensitive private information from U.S. citizens within the country.
Earlier this month, Gabbard acknowledged that “significant reforms to FISA have been implemented since my tenure in Congress to address these issues.”
Certain nominees from Trump’s administration, such as Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, have encountered rigorous scrutiny from the Senate.
In a November post on Truth Social regarding Gabbard’s nomination, Trump expressed that she would enhance the administration’s strength-through-peace foreign policy while safeguarding the Constitution.
“I trust Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has characterized her remarkable career to our Intelligence Community, advocating for our Constitutional Rights and achieving Peace through Strength. Tulsi will make us all proud!” wrote Trump.