Senate Democrats face mounting criticism for delaying the confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence, raising concerns about national security during the transition to President-Elect Trump’s administration.
They’re very scared of her.
At a Glance
- Senate Democrats delay Tulsi Gabbard’s confirmation hearing for Director of National Intelligence
- Sen. Mark Warner claims incomplete vetting materials as reason for delay
- Gabbard’s team asserts all deadlines have been met and materials submitted
- Republicans accuse Democrats of playing politics with national security
- Confirmation process faces potential postponement, raising concerns about transition readiness
Democrats Cite Incomplete Vetting as Reason for Delay
Senate Democrats, led by Sen. Mark Warner, vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, are facing criticism for delaying the confirmation hearing of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence. Warner claims the committee has not received Gabbard’s ethics disclosure, pre-hearing questionnaire, or FBI background check, despite assertions from Gabbard’s team that all materials have been submitted on time.
The delay has sparked concerns about the smooth transition of national security responsibilities in President-Elect Trump’s incoming administration. Committee rules require these materials to be submitted a week before the hearing, potentially pushing the confirmation process into late January or beyond.
Republican Push for Timely Confirmation
Intel Committee Chairman Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) is pushing to hold the hearings before Inauguration Day, emphasizing the importance of having a fully staffed national security team in place. However, Democrats’ resistance to scheduling the hearing early next week has created a political standoff.
“Intends to hold these hearings before Inauguration Day,” Intel Committee Chairman Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) said.
Republicans have accused Democrats of playing political games with the confirmation process, potentially compromising national security. The delay has also prevented some Democratic senators from meeting with Gabbard, further complicating the process.
Some of my Democrat colleagues are trying to delay @TulsiGabbard's confirmation hearing.
Right now, our country is on fire.
Now more than ever, we need to confirm ALL of President Trump's national security nominees. https://t.co/acFqSbge2Y
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) January 7, 2025
Gabbard’s Team Responds to Criticism
Gabbard’s transition spokeswoman, Alexa Henning, has criticized the Democrats for delaying the nomination process, citing recent terrorist attacks and national security concerns. Henning emphasized Gabbard’s willingness to meet with every member of the committee and her commitment to the confirmation process.
“After the terrorist attacks on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, it’s sad to see Sen. Warner and Democrats playing politics with Americans’ safety and our national security by stonewalling Lt. Col. Gabbard’s nomination, who is willing to meet with every member who will meet with her as this process continues,” Gabbard’s transition spokeswoman, Alexa Henning said.
Gabbard’s team maintains that she completed the background check process last week and has an active security clearance. They also assert that she has submitted an initial pre-hearing questionnaire and plans to submit a second one by the deadline.
Bipartisan Reactions to Gabbard’s Nomination
While some Democrats are delaying the process, others have expressed openness to meeting with Gabbard. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) stated his willingness to have a conversation with President-elect Trump’s nominees, viewing it as a senatorial responsibility.
“I believe that it’s appropriate and the responsibility of a U.S. Senator to have a conversation with President-elect Trump’s nominees,” Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman said.
Good old Fetterman! He’s been a surprise, hasn’t he?
Gabbard has already met with several Republican senators, including Joni Ernst, John Thune, and Lisa Murkowski, demonstrating bipartisan engagement in the confirmation process. As the debate continues, the focus remains on balancing thorough vetting with the urgent need for a smooth transition in national security leadership.
