Senate Democrats delay Tulsi Gabbard’s confirmation hearing for Director of National Intelligence, citing incomplete vetting materials and raising national security concerns.
At a Glance
- Senate Democrats, led by Sen. Mark Warner, delay Tulsi Gabbard’s confirmation hearing for DNI
- Warner claims the committee hasn’t received Gabbard’s ethics disclosure, pre-hearing questionnaire, or FBI background check
- Gabbard’s team asserts all deadlines have been met and criticizes Democrats for playing politics with national security
- Republicans accuse Democrats of political games, while some Democrats remain open to confirming Gabbard
- The delay highlights the importance of rapid appointments for national security during transitions
Democrats Cite Incomplete Vetting Materials for Delay
Senate Democrats, spearheaded by Sen. Mark Warner, have postponed Tulsi Gabbard’s confirmation hearing for the position of Director of National Intelligence. Warner, the vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, claims that the committee has not received Gabbard’s ethics disclosure, pre-hearing questionnaire, or FBI background check. This delay comes at a crucial time during President-Elect Trump’s transition phase, raising concerns about national security readiness.
The postponement has sparked a heated debate between Democrats and Republicans. While Democrats insist on following proper vetting procedures, Republicans argue that the delay is politically motivated. Gabbard’s team maintains that all deadlines have been met and that her military clearance allows for an expedited background check process.
SCOOP: Senate Democrats are forcing a delay in Tulsi Gabbard's confirmation hearing next week, claiming she hasn't provided required vetting materials — while Republicans accuse them of playing games, Axios has learned. https://t.co/KSEYbUopi3
— Axios (@axios) January 7, 2025
National Security Concerns and Political Divide
The delay in confirming Gabbard has brought to light the critical importance of rapid appointments for national security during transitional periods. With recent terrorist attacks on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the urgency of having a fully operational national security team is more apparent than ever.
“After the terrorist attacks on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, it’s sad to see Sen. Warner and Democrats playing politics with Americans’ safety and our national security by stonewalling Lt. Col. Gabbard’s nomination, who is willing to meet with every member who will meet with her as this process continues,” said Gabbard’s transition spokeswoman, Alexa Henning.
Despite the partisan tension, some Democratic senators have expressed openness to meeting with Gabbard. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania stated, “I believe that it’s appropriate and the responsibility of a U.S. Senator to have a conversation with President-elect Trump’s nominees.” This sentiment suggests that not all Democrats are aligned with Warner’s approach to the confirmation process.
The Path Forward
As the confirmation process unfolds, both sides are working to find a resolution. Warner is scheduled to meet with Gabbard soon, and other committee members are lining up meetings as well. However, the committee rules require a seven-day notice after receiving all necessary documents before a hearing can be held, potentially pushing the confirmation into late January.
“intends to hold these hearings before Inauguration Day” – Intel Committee Chairman Tom Cotton (R-Ark.)
The situation underscores the delicate balance between thorough vetting and the need for a swift transition in national security leadership. As the debate continues, the focus remains on ensuring that the incoming administration has a fully functional national security team in place to address potential and imminent threats to the nation’s safety.
Sources:
- Gabbard’s Team Accuses Senate Democrats Of ‘Playing Politics’ By Blocking Confirmation Meetings
- Scoop: Senate Dems delay Tulsi Gabbard nomination
