The Senate confirmation hearing for Director of National Intelligence nominee Tulsi Gabbard erupted into heated exchanges on Thursday as she delivered a striking opening statement criticizing what she described as the Biden administration’s misuse of intelligence.

Gabbard specifically called out the Russia collusion investigation, the letter signed by 51 former intelligence officials dismissing the Hunter Biden laptop story, and other instances where she alleged intelligence had been “faulty or weaponized.”

Right from the start, Gabbard took aim at the intelligence community’s credibility, stating that “the American people deserve intelligence that is objective and untainted by political influence.”

She argued that the country had been misled by past narratives pushed by officials with political motives and pledged to restore integrity to the office if confirmed.

Her remarks immediately set the stage for a contentious hearing, with senators on both sides of the aisle pressing her on various national security issues.

However, much of the session devolved into political sparring, with senators using their time to make statements rather than engage in substantive discussion with the nominee.

One of the most heated moments of the hearing came when Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) aggressively questioned Gabbard over her past comments regarding Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency contractor who leaked classified information in 2013 and later fled to Russia.

Bennet repeatedly pressed Gabbard to explicitly label Snowden a traitor. As she attempted to explain her stance, Bennet cut her off multiple times, his voice rising as he demanded direct answers.

“This is when the rubber hits the road,” Bennet exclaimed.

“This is not even to make sure this is not a moment for social media. It’s not a moment to propagate theories or attacks on journalism in the United States.”

Bennet continued, saying, “This is when you need to answer the questions of the people whose votes you’re asking for to be confirmed as the chief intelligence officer of this nation.”

Despite Gabbard’s attempts to respond, Bennet’s interruptions made it difficult for her to fully articulate her position on Snowden.

WHAT IS HAPPENING??? Senator Michael Bennet asked Tulsi Gabbard a question, and when she opened her mouth to answer, he immediately interrupted her and started SCREAMING.

Tulsi Derangement Syndrome is deadly. pic.twitter.com/Rzv0IIqHoC

— George (@BehizyTweets) January 30, 2025

BREAKING: Tulsi Gabbard: “Edward Snowden broke the law… But he also released information that exposed egregious, illegal, and unconstitutional programs that are happening within our government that led to serious reforms that Congress undertook.” pic.twitter.com/81368EDyCr

— Leading Report (@LeadingReport) January 30, 2025

In addition to Bennet’s exchange, other Senate Democrats, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), used their time to scrutinize Gabbard’s positions on intelligence matters rather than directly engage with her responses.

The confirmation hearing, which was expected to be contentious, largely followed the pattern of senators making statements rather than conducting a thorough discussion of Gabbard’s qualifications and policy views.

Gabbard’s supporters have pointed to the hearing as an example of how intelligence and national security discussions have become politicized.

Throughout the session, she maintained that the intelligence community must be independent and transparent, arguing that past missteps had damaged public trust.

As the Senate continues to deliberate on Gabbard’s confirmation, it remains unclear whether she will secure enough votes.

With Republicans generally supportive of her nomination and Democrats divided over her past statements, her confirmation may come down to a few key swing votes.

The Senate Intelligence Committee is expected to hold further discussions before a final confirmation vote is scheduled.

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