A former British intelligence leader has sounded an alarm over the possibility of Tulsi Gabbard becoming the next Director of National Intelligence (DNI), advising President Trump to think carefully about the potential consequences of such a nomination.
Concerns Over Gabbard’s Alleged Pro-Russian Stance
Sir John Sawers, who previously led MI6, has expressed concerns that Gabbard’s views may pose a significant risk to the country’s intelligence leadership.
The former spy chief told CNN that while senators hold significant responsibility for approving key appointments, he’s worried about Gabbard’s past positions.
Sawers pointed out that Gabbard has frequently been criticized for her seemingly pro-Russian rhetoric, including her controversial meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in 2017, where she called him “not an enemy.”
For Sawers, having a DNI who has taken such positions could undermine the trust between the U.S. and its allies.
“It makes it difficult for America’s partners to work with someone who holds a sympathetic stance toward one of our greatest geopolitical threats,” he added.
Political Battle Intensifies Ahead of Confirmation Vote
Gabbard’s nomination has faced increasing resistance within her own party and among Republicans.
After Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth narrowly avoided rejection this week, with three key Republican senators voting against him, Gabbard’s path to confirmation is becoming more uncertain.
Senators Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski have all voiced their opposition to Gabbard, a blow to her hopes of receiving bipartisan support.
Her confirmation hearing, set for January 30, will be a critical moment, as she cannot afford to lose any more Republican votes.
With all 50 Democrats expected to vote against her, Gabbard finds herself at a precarious crossroads.
Gabbard’s Shift to Trump’s Camp Raises Eyebrows
Gabbard, a former Democrat congresswoman from Hawaii, has alienated many of her former party members since aligning with Trump.
This shift, particularly her stance on the “Deep State” and the intelligence community, has caused tension within Washington.
Her defiant attitude towards the intelligence agencies, highlighted by her controversial trip to meet Assad, has further fueled skepticism about her ability to take on such a critical role.
Gabbard, alongside figures like Hegseth and FBI pick Kash Patel, has positioned herself as an outsider determined to challenge the established political order, a sentiment that has resonated with Trump’s base but created friction in the political establishment.
Trump’s Confident Tone Despite Setbacks
Despite these mounting challenges, President Trump remains optimistic about the confirmation process.
After Hegseth’s successful confirmation, Trump praised the outcome, saying, “Winning is what matters.”
Speaking at LAX following a visit to the California wildfires, the president commented that he was pleased with the confirmation of his new Defense Secretary, expressing satisfaction with the results.
When asked about McConnell’s vote against Hegseth, Trump downplayed the setback, focusing on the overall success of the vote.
The Future of Trump’s Intelligence Appointments
As Gabbard’s nomination looms, questions about the future of the intelligence community under Trump’s influence remain at the forefront.
With Gabbard’s controversial past and alignment with the president’s vision for reshaping government institutions, the Senate’s upcoming vote could set the tone for the direction of U.S. intelligence leadership.
Will Gabbard’s nomination go through, or will resistance from both parties derail her path to one of the country’s most powerful positions? The next few days are sure to be critical in determining the future of the DNI and America’s intelligence priorities.
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