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Lindsey Graham Backs Tulsi Gabbard Confirmation Despite Prior Criticism

President Donald Trump has made waves in Washington by nominating Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii and a 22-year military veteran, to serve as the next Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Gabbard’s nomination is notable not only for her non-traditional political path but also for the growing bipartisan support she is receiving, particularly from influential figures within the Republican Party.

The nomination has sparked intense discussions about Gabbard’s qualifications and past actions, with some lawmakers expressing cautious optimism while others remain skeptical. The Director of National Intelligence, one of the most critical positions in the U.S. national security apparatus, oversees the 18 intelligence agencies that comprise the U.S. intelligence community, including the CIA, NSA, and FBI.

Among the most vocal supporters of Gabbard’s confirmation is Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina and a key figure in national security matters. Graham, who initially expressed reservations about her nomination, recently voiced his full endorsement during an appearance on “Fox News Sunday.”

“I’ve actually served in a Reserve unit with Tulsi,” Graham said, referring to his experience working alongside Gabbard in the Army National Guard. “She’s someone I respect, and I believe she has what it takes to lead the intelligence community.”

Graham’s endorsement is a significant boost for Gabbard, particularly given his past skepticism. During an interview with NBC News, Graham had previously expressed concerns about Gabbard’s controversial 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, as well as her stance on key foreign policy issues.

These concerns were front and center during Gabbard’s Senate confirmation hearing, where she was pressed on her meeting with Assad and her views on whistleblower Edward Snowden. Gabbard defended her decision to meet with Assad, explaining that her intent was to pursue peace and gather firsthand information on the Syrian conflict.

“I believe that leaders, whether in Congress or the president of the United States, can benefit greatly by engaging directly with global leaders—ally or adversary,” she said.

Gabbard also addressed questions about Snowden, who leaked classified information on U.S. surveillance programs in 2013. While acknowledging the importance of transparency, she emphasized her commitment to safeguarding sensitive intelligence and preventing future breaches.

“Throughout my almost 22 years of service in the military and my time in Congress, I’ve taken the privilege of accessing classified information seriously,” Gabbard said. “I pledge to uphold the highest standards of security and ensure our nation’s secrets remain protected.”

In addition to Graham, Gabbard’s nomination has garnered support from other high-profile Republicans, including Senator Susan Collins of Maine, known for her moderate and independent voting record. Collins’ backing could prove crucial in securing Gabbard’s confirmation.

“Tulsi brings a unique combination of military experience and congressional service that is essential for this role,” Collins told reporters. “I look forward to working with her to strengthen our national security and ensure bipartisan cooperation in intelligence matters.”

Collins’ endorsement, reported by Reuters, is expected to influence undecided senators and potentially secure enough votes for Gabbard’s confirmation.

Gabbard’s supporters argue that her diverse background makes her uniquely qualified to lead the nation’s intelligence community. As a combat veteran who served two tours in Iraq and a major in the Hawaii Army National Guard, Gabbard brings firsthand experience with counterterrorism and defense operations. Her time in Congress further expanded her understanding of foreign policy and national security, particularly through her role on the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees.

This combination of military and political experience, her backers contend, equips her with a well-rounded perspective on the complex challenges facing the U.S. intelligence community.

However, critics have raised concerns about her past policy positions, particularly her opposition to U.S. interventionist foreign policies and her initial reluctance to blame Assad for chemical attacks in Syria. These stances have led some lawmakers to question whether her views align with the broader strategic goals of the intelligence community.

During her hearing, Gabbard made it clear that her focus as DNI would be on modernizing intelligence capabilities, improving cybersecurity defenses, and enhancing cooperation between the various intelligence agencies. She also pledged to prioritize domestic threats, such as foreign interference in U.S. elections and the rise of cyberattacks from adversarial nations like Russia and China.

Senators from both parties pressed her on how she would handle potential conflicts of interest and ensure unbiased intelligence assessments. Gabbard assured the committee of her dedication to maintaining the integrity and independence of the DNI office.

“My role, if confirmed, will be to provide the president and policymakers with the most accurate and unvarnished intelligence possible,” Gabbard stated. “Politics must never interfere with national security.”

If confirmed, Gabbard would be the first woman of Samoan descent and the first Hindu to serve as Director of National Intelligence—a historic milestone that reflects the growing diversity in national security leadership. Her confirmation would also mark a rare example of a former Democratic lawmaker being tapped by a Republican president for such a high-level national security role.

The Senate Intelligence Committee is expected to vote on her nomination in the coming weeks. While the outcome remains uncertain, the debate surrounding Gabbard’s appointment highlights the complex and often contentious nature of intelligence leadership.

As discussions continue, Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination serves as a reminder of the critical importance of the Director of National Intelligence role in safeguarding national security. Her military service, congressional experience, and unorthodox political background present both opportunities and challenges for the U.S. intelligence community.

For supporters, Gabbard’s willingness to challenge conventional thinking and engage directly with adversaries is a strength that could revitalize U.S. intelligence efforts. For critics, her controversial past decisions warrant a thorough examination to ensure she is the right fit for the job.

In the end, Gabbard’s journey to confirmation will likely serve as a litmus test for bipartisan cooperation and national security priorities in an increasingly polarized political landscape. Whether she is ultimately confirmed or not, her nomination has already left an indelible mark on the ongoing debate about the future of U.S. intelligence leadership.