Republicans at Confirmation Hearing Press Gabbard on Defense of Edward Snowden

When one lawmaker asked if she believed Mr. Snowden was a traitor, Ms. Gabbard simply said that she was ‘focused on the future.’

AP/John McDonnell
President Trump's choice to be the Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, before the Senate Intelligence Committee for her confirmation hearing, January 30, 2025. AP/John McDonnell

The nominee for director of national intelligence, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, faced intense scrutiny for her past defenses of Syria’s former leader, President Assad, and the infamous whistleblower Edward Snowden, during a bipartisan grilling from members of the Senate Intelligence Committee. 

Ms. Gabbard was chosen to lead America’s intelligence services after leaving the Democratic Party to join the GOP and support President Trump’s 2024 bid. She represented Hawaii in the House for eight years while serving concurrently in the Army Reserve before launching her own 2020 presidential campaign. 

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