Tulsi Gabbard, Kash Patel Face Intense Senate Confirmation Hearings

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Trump loyalist Kash Patel faced intense scrutiny during their Senate confirmation hearings on Thursday, as lawmakers grilled them on their past statements, associations, and qualifications for key national security roles.

Gabbard, President Donald Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence, was questioned about her past remarks on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, her support for whistleblower Edward Snowden, and her controversial 2017 meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Gabbard, a former presidential candidate and military veteran, defended her record, stating she has “no love for Assad or any dictator” and emphasizing her focus on preventing future intelligence leaks.

Democratic Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado challenged Gabbard over her past comments on Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing her of echoing Russian propaganda. Bennet read aloud Gabbard’s statement that Putin had “legitimate security concerns” over NATO expansion, which Russian state media had celebrated. Gabbard, a lieutenant colonel in the National Guard, reiterated her commitment to national security but avoided directly labeling Snowden as a traitor, calling his actions illegal but emphasizing the need for systemic reforms.

Patel, Trump’s nominee for FBI director, faced sharp questions about his ties to the January 6 Capitol rioters and his support for the QAnon conspiracy theory. Democratic Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois pressed Patel on Trump’s pardons of rioters who assaulted police officers. Patel condemned violence against law enforcement but declined to criticize Trump’s clemency decisions. He also sought to distance himself from his past criticisms of the FBI, pledging to focus on tackling violent crime and restoring public trust in the agency.

Both nominees’ hearings underscored the deep partisan divides in Congress, with Republicans largely defending the nominees while Democrats raised concerns about their fitness for office. The hearings also highlighted the ongoing controversies surrounding Trump’s administration and its legacy.