Former US diplomats and intelligence officials, nearly 100 of whom have served in both Democratic and Republican administrations, are urging Senate leaders to hold closed-door hearings on the government’s files on former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump’s pick for national intelligence director.
The group expressed concerns over Gabbard’s past actions, citing them as “alarmed” by her selection to oversee 18 US intelligence agencies. They claimed that her previous statements and meetings with adversaries, including Syrian President Bashar Assad, have raised questions about her ability to provide unbiased intelligence briefings.
A spokesperson for Gabbard dismissed the appeal, calling it an “unfounded” and “partisan” attack. Avril Haines, the current director of national intelligence, downplayed concerns about intelligence sharing with allies, stating that strong bipartisan support exists in Congress for these relationships.
The letter, which includes signatures from former Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, former NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller, and numerous retired ambassadors and high-ranking military officers, requests closed briefings to review Gabbard’s qualifications and protect US intelligence sources. The group points to her 2017 meetings in Syria with Assad as a point of contention.
Gabbard has been criticized for her views on the Middle East and Ukraine, which align with Russian talking points and diverge from US positions. She has defended her past actions, saying they were necessary to engage with US enemies.
The request for closed-door hearings comes as part of the Senate’s review of Trump’s top appointments. A spokesperson for incoming Republican Majority Leader John Thune did not immediately respond to questions about the request.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/trump-gabbard-national-intelligence-director-senate-e351e922f7d185ced030169fe83e94da