Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as director of national intelligence by President Donald Trump is reportedly in “jeopardy,” according to a Republican senator who raised concerns on Wednesday. Gabbard, known for her unorthodox political positions, is facing scrutiny over her perceived friendliness toward Russian President Vladimir Putin and Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, as well as her limited experience in intelligence.
“There are very serious concerns by enough members to put her nomination in jeopardy,” an unidentified Republican senator told Semafor. Another senator echoed these sentiments, stating that Gabbard “has a lot of questions to answer” before her nomination can move forward.
Despite these hurdles, Gabbard continues to enjoy the backing of Trump’s advisers, according to individuals close to the White House. The president himself has reportedly encouraged Gabbard to adopt a more assertive approach in defending her qualifications and addressing the criticism.
“She’s got to prove herself,” a White House source told Semafor.
The skepticism surrounding Gabbard stems in part from her foreign policy views, which often diverge from the mainstream Republican stance. Her past meetings with Assad and remarks questioning U.S. interventionism have drawn bipartisan criticism. Additionally, her perceived openness toward Russia raises concerns among lawmakers who view Moscow as a significant adversary.
Beyond her controversial stances, Gabbard’s lack of direct experience in the intelligence community has also been highlighted as a potential disqualifier. The role of the director of national intelligence is a critical one, overseeing all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies and serving as a key advisor to the president on national security issues.
While Gabbard’s nomination has sparked resistance among some Republican senators, her supporters within the administration argue that her perspective could bring a fresh approach to intelligence leadership. Trump himself appears to remain steadfast in his support, but the path to Senate confirmation remains uncertain.
With concerns mounting and the nomination process underway, Gabbard faces the challenge of addressing lawmakers’ reservations and demonstrating her readiness for the high-stakes role. Whether her controversial history and lack of experience will derail her nomination is yet to be seen, but the skepticism from both within and outside her party underscores the steep road ahead.