President-elect Donald Trump’s team claims Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee are slowing down the confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence (DNI).
Key Facts:
– Gabbard, a former congresswoman and Army officer, is Trump’s pick for DNI.
– Senate Intel Committee rules require all background checks and paperwork at least a week before a hearing.
– The Trump transition team insists it submitted paperwork on time, but Senate Democrats say they lack pre-hearing questions and the FBI file.
– Vice Chairman Mark Warner met with Gabbard but said he still has “a lot of questions.”
– Committee Chair Tom Cotton, R-Ark., aims to schedule hearings before Inauguration Day.
The Rest of The Story:
Tulsi Gabbard, who served in the Army National Guard, already holds a top-secret clearance from her military service.
The Trump team says this should speed up her FBI background check.
They accuse Democrats, including Senator Warner, of delaying her hearing date by not scheduling timely meetings.
Warner’s office denies telling colleagues to block or postpone discussions with Gabbard, stating that every committee member is encouraged to evaluate her record.
According to Warner, it is crucial for the DNI to maintain independence, protect shared intelligence with allies, and properly secure classified information.
He met with Gabbard and came away with additional questions, though he did not disclose the specifics.
Senator Jon Ossoff reportedly met with Gabbard in December, while other senators delayed their meetings until after the holiday season.
Republicans argue that swift confirmation of key national security officials has traditionally been a bipartisan effort.
They say waiting too long leaves the country vulnerable during a leadership transition.
At the same time, some critics question Gabbard’s foreign policy stances and statements she made about the intelligence community in the past.
Others believe her military background and direct experience in Congress will help her effectively lead America’s intelligence agencies.
I had the pleasure of meeting with @TulsiGabbard today, our next Director of National Intelligence. She has my full support and will do an excellent job.
We must confirm ALL of President Trump’s national security team and Make America Safe Again. pic.twitter.com/6NAzLngbW1
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) January 7, 2025
The Bottom Line:
Democrats deny intentionally slowing Gabbard’s path to the top intelligence post, while Republicans say the holdup endangers national security.
Her confirmation hinges on whether senators find her prepared for the pressures of safeguarding the nation’s secrets.
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Until then, both parties continue to trade criticisms about who is truly delaying the process.