Gabbard Claims Independence, Expresses Disdain for al Qaeda
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Synopsis
During her confirmation hearing for Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard asserted her independence from political puppetry, stating, 'I just hate al Qaeda.' She faced intense questioning over her foreign policy perspectives and past statements, including her views on dictators and intelligence integrity.
Key Takeaways
- Gabbard rejects claims of being a political puppet.
- She expresses strong opposition to al Qaeda.
- She questions U.S. actions in Libya and Egypt.
- Gabbard emphasizes the need to restore trust in intelligence.
- She addresses criticism regarding her Hindu faith.
Washington, Jan 31 (NationPress) Tulsi Gabbard addressed US Senators during her confirmation hearing for the position of Director of National Intelligence (DNI), asserting that she has no affection for Assad, Gaddafi, or any dictator, contrary to the claims of her critics, stating, I simply detest al Qaeda.
Throughout the hearing, Gabbard endured intense scrutiny from both Republican and Democratic Senators regarding her past statements, which often diverge from the administration's views.
She refuted allegations that Assad employed chemical weapons against his citizens and expressed regret over the U.S. involvement in toppling Muammar Gaddafi in Libya and Hosni Mubarak in Egypt.
Gabbard also confronted inquiries about her previous support for Edward Snowden, the NSA whistleblower currently residing in Russia, as well as her opinions on Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
In her opening statements, she vocally criticized her detractors.
Those who challenge my nomination suggest that I am loyal to someone or something other than God, my conscience, and the Constitution of the United States, branding me as a puppet of Trump, Putin, or Assad, she remarked.
I harbor no affection for Assad, Gaddafi, or any dictator, she reiterated.
I simply despise al Qaeda. I am appalled by the fact that our leaders associate with Islamist extremists and downplay them as mere rebels.
A military veteran, Gabbard holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the army reserve and has served multiple terms in the House of Representatives as a Democrat.
She also sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, where she lost to Joe Biden. Subsequently, she endorsed President Donald Trump's second presidential campaign, and following his victory, she accepted his nomination for Director of National Intelligence, overseeing the U.S. intelligence community comprising 18 agencies and organizations, including the CIA, NSA, FBI, and Defense Intelligence Agency.
Highlighting various intelligence failures like the Iraq War and the politicization of intelligence, particularly concerning the investigation into President Trump's first campaign, Gabbard stated, President Trump's re-election represents a clear mandate from the American populace to end this cycle of failure, and restore trust in those responsible for securing our nation.
If I am confirmed as DNI, she pledged, I will strive to fulfill this mandate and provide leadership in the intelligence community focused on our vital mission to ensure the safety, security, and freedom of the American people as the President’s chief intelligence adviser.
Gabbard also addressed those who have criticized her faith, identifying as Hindu.
Unfortunately, they are once again playing the religious bigotry card, attempting to incite prejudice against Hindus and Hinduism. If anyone genuinely wishes to learn more about my personal spiritual journey in Hinduism, I invite you to visit my account on X, where I will share further insights on this subject.
