Sun Dec 08 12:20:00 UTC 2024: **Former Officials Raise Concerns Over Gabbard’s Intelligence Director Nomination**

WASHINGTON (AP) — Nearly 100 former high-ranking U.S. diplomats, intelligence officials, and national security experts from both Democratic and Republican administrations are urging the Senate to conduct closed-door hearings to thoroughly vet Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence (DNI). In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and incoming Republican Majority Leader John Thune, the officials expressed alarm over Gabbard’s appointment, citing concerns about her past actions and their potential impact on national security.

The letter specifically highlights Gabbard’s 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a U.S. adversary, and her past statements aligning with Russian narratives on conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. The officials argue these actions raise serious questions about her ability to provide unbiased intelligence briefings to the President, Congress, and the broader national security apparatus. They requested that the Senate review all available government information on Gabbard in closed sessions, emphasizing the need to protect sensitive intelligence sources and methods.

Gabbard’s spokesperson, Alexa Henning, dismissed the concerns as an “unfounded” and “partisan” attack, characterizing the letter as evidence of why Trump selected Gabbard for the position. Henning accused the signatories of having “blood on their hands” from past intelligence failures and using classified information as a political weapon.

Current DNI Avril Haines, while not mentioning Gabbard directly, addressed concerns about potential disruptions to intelligence sharing with allies, particularly within the Five Eyes alliance. Haines expressed confidence that these crucial relationships would continue under the next administration.

The Senate’s response to the request for closed briefings remains pending. The situation underscores the intense political scrutiny surrounding Gabbard’s nomination and the potential implications for U.S. intelligence operations.

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