Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said late Thursday he would not support Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence after she refused to condemn NSA leaker Edward Snowden.
During the confirmation hearing for Tulsi Gabbard in the Senate this week, Senator Mark Warner lost it on Gabbard over her past comments on Edward Snowden.
Tulsi Gabbard, President Trump's nominee for Director of National Intelligence, clashed with Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) over Edward Snowden at her confirmation hearing. SEN. MARK WARNER (D-VA): And, Ms.
Senators quizzed Trump's pick for Director of National Intelligence on her past support for leaker Edward Snowden and for meeting with Syrian dictator Basha al-Assad.
Tulsi Gabbard, President Trump's nominee to serve as the director of national intelligence, will testify Thursday morning at a confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee. The 43-year-old former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii and combat veteran would oversee the nation's 18 spy agencies.
Former Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard was in the hot seat, before the U.S. Senate's Select Committee on Intelligence.
Gabbard replied that she had only meant to highlight the “egregiously illegal and unconstitutional programs” that Snowden had exposed—specifically NSA programs that intercepted communications of U.S. citizens—and that his leaks had led to “serious reforms.”
Sen. Mark Warner noted that the law creating the DNI position requires the nominee to have “extensive national security expertise.”
Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump's pick to be director of national intelligence, has faced tough questions from lawmakers during a fiery confirmation hearing Thursday.
Warner added, “I continue to have significant concerns about your judgment and your qualifications to meet the standard set by the law.”
Three of President Trump’s controversial Cabinet nominees faced confirmation hearings Thursday. Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. look most at risk.
Lt. Col. Tulsi Gabbard has served in the U.S. military since 2003 and is President Donald Trump’s pick for Director of National Intelligence.