Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump’s pick for Director of National Intelligence, faces criticism for lack of intelligence experience and initial struggles in Senate meetings.
Donald Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Tulsi Gabbard, has faced criticism following reports that she struggled to articulate the role’s responsibilities during meetings with Senate Republicans.
According to a Wall Street Journal report, Gabbard failed to distinguish between key surveillance authorities and provided vague responses regarding her approach to the job.
Senate Concerns Raised
The concerns were highlighted in private meetings with senators such as James Lankford (R-OK) and Mike Rounds (R-SD).
According to sources, Rounds read aloud the statutory language defining the DNI’s responsibilities and questioned Gabbard on how she would meet the role’s requirements.
Gabbard reportedly replied that she would “wait and see” once in the position.
Despite her lack of clarity, she later followed Rounds’ advice to consult intelligence experts, which reportedly led to a better understanding during a subsequent meeting.

Shift on Surveillance Policy
One of Gabbard’s more notable reversals involved her stance on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), a program that targets foreign national-security threats.
Previously a critic of the program, she announced her support during the confirmation process. This shift helped secure Lankford’s vote in her favor.
“She appreciated the chance to address [senators’] questions and share her vision for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence,” Trump’s team said in a statement.
Controversial Track Record
Gabbard’s nomination has drawn attention due to her limited intelligence experience and past controversial positions.
As an Army Reserve lieutenant colonel and Iraq War veteran, she brings military credentials but little direct exposure to national intelligence operations.
Gabbard has also faced criticism for her foreign policy stances, including meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2017 and questioning U.S. intelligence reports accusing Assad of using chemical weapons.
She has further sparked debate by echoing Kremlin narratives, such as blaming NATO for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Senate Support and Trump Allies’ Influence
Despite these concerns, no Republican senators have openly opposed her nomination, although Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) remain undecided.
Trump ally and megadonor Elon Musk has signaled he might support primary challenges against GOP senators who resist Trump’s Cabinet picks.
“She’s shown improvement, and I’ll do what I can to support her confirmation process,” Rounds told the Wall Street Journal.
What’s Next?
As the confirmation process continues, Gabbard’s ability to reassure senators of her readiness for the role will be critical.
Her evolving positions and initial stumbles underscore the challenges she faces in securing bipartisan confidence for the sensitive DNI role.
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