The Senate approved Gabbard as the head of US intelligence, who called Ukraine “the second Afghanistan”
The US Senate supported the appointment of Tulsi Gabbard to the position of Director of National Intelligence, although she previously called Ukraine “the second Afghanistan”. About this informs CNN.
Her nomination was approved by a vote of 52 to 48. At the same time, one Republican – Senator Mitch McConnell – joined the Democrats who opposed the appointment. Before the vote, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, urged Republicans to reconsider their position on Gabbard’s nomination.
“I’m asking my colleagues — I know this is the last minute — to think twice, vote no, as we all will, because this is a terrible nomination that will jeopardize our national security and our intelligence operations across the country and the world.” – said Schumer.
During the hearing, Gabbard had to answer questions from senators about her previous controversial statements. Her position regarding Edward Snowden, a former employee of the US National Security Agency who disclosed information about the PRISM spying program, was especially hotly discussed. She previously advocated for his pardon, but changed her mind during the hearing.
Gabbard is also known for her controversial actions, including meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, criticizing the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, and making statements about US policy toward Ukraine. During the hearing, she emphasized that she is not a “puppet of Putin” or Assad and remains loyal to the interests of the United States.
In her new role, Gabbard will oversee the activities of 18 intelligence agencies with a combined budget of about $100 billion and will serve as President Donald Trump’s top intelligence adviser.
