Brennan Discusses Gabbard Nomination
Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as director of national intelligence is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing battles in Washington, not just because of her polarizing political evolution but because of what her confirmation would signify about the direction of President Donald Trump’s administration. A former Democrat turned MAGA ally, Gabbard’s path has been unconventional—and fraught with attacks from both sides of the aisle.
As her Senate Intelligence Committee hearing approaches, the knives are already out. Critics dredge up her past meetings with Syrian dictator Bashar Assad and her statements that some claim showed “sympathy” for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Others point to her vocal support for Edward Snowden, the NSA whistleblower who remains in exile in Russia, as evidence that she might not fit the mold for a top intelligence official. But committee Chair Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) isn’t having any of it. He’s drawing a sharp line against questioning Gabbard’s loyalty to the United States.
John Brennan just gave @TulsiGabbard the best endorsement imaginable
When he opposes a nominee …
Those who love liberty take his opposition as a moral imperative to confirm her https://t.co/erPkBOC7jm
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) January 26, 2025
“This is a woman who served more than 20 years in our nation’s army,” Cotton reminded viewers during a recent interview with Shannon Bream on Fox News Sunday. Cotton’s defense comes with an implicit jab at Gabbard’s most infamous critic: Hillary Clinton.
Clinton once suggested that Gabbard was a “Russian asset,” a baseless smear that Cotton—and many others—have never forgotten. “It’s fine for people to have policy differences and ask questions about those differences,” Cotton continued. “I hope no one would impugn Ms. Gabbard’s patriotism or her integrity.”
In Cotton’s view, the outrage over Gabbard’s nomination mirrors the media hysteria surrounding Trump’s other picks, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who faced intense scrutiny before ultimately being confirmed. Cotton, ever the optimist when it comes to Trump’s nominees, has dismissed the usual whispers of doom from the D.C. establishment.
Still, Gabbard’s hearing on Thursday is expected to be a fiery one. Senators will undoubtedly grill her on her past, but Cotton assures the American people that she will be treated with fairness. “She’s passed five different background checks. I reviewed the latest one. It’s clean as a whistle,” Cotton emphasized. “This hearing will be just like the ones we conducted for [CIA Director] John Ratcliffe or other nominees—no more, no less.”
The Gabbard confirmation battle is playing out against a backdrop of larger geopolitical tensions, particularly with China. Cotton, a vocal China hawk, took the opportunity to push Trump’s strong stance against the communist regime, highlighting the critical need for a clean break from Chinese influence. Trump’s executive order halting a TikTok ban was one example, but Cotton remains focused on the broader implications. “What might [China] do in a moment of heightened tension around Taiwan?” he asked. “It’s critical that there be a complete and total break with communist China.”