1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence (DNI). While I respect her military service, her past actions, statements, and lack of relevant experience raise significant concerns about her suitability for this critical role. The DNI plays a vital role in safeguarding our nation’s security by overseeing and coordinating the U.S. intelligence community. This position demands impeccable judgment, extensive intelligence and national security expertise, and an unwavering commitment to democratic values. Unfortunately, Ms. Gabbard’s record demonstrates that she lacks these qualifications. The role of DNI requires substantial experience in intelligence operations, analysis, and oversight—none of which Ms. Gabbard has demonstrated. Her background as a Congresswoman and military officer, while commendable, does not include the depth of expertise required to manage and unify the 18 agencies within the intelligence community. Ms. Gabbard’s record includes troubling actions that cast doubt on her judgment: In 2017, she met with Bashar al-Assad, a brutal dictator responsible for war crimes and the use of chemical weapons against civilians. This unauthorized meeting undermined U.S. foreign policy and lent legitimacy to a regime that has committed atrocities against its people. She has consistently expressed extreme anti-interventionist views, often echoing narratives that align with adversarial regimes. Her rhetoric has often alienated allies, with statements undermining NATO and U.S. alliances that are critical to maintaining global security and fostering intelligence-sharing agreements. Ms. Gabbard has received praise from controversial figures and Russian state media, raising concerns about her impartiality and susceptibility to influence. Her apparent alignment with authoritarian regimes like those of Assad and Putin undermines the credibility required to lead the intelligence community effectively. The DNI must inspire trust and foster unity across the intelligence community and with international partners. Ms. Gabbard’s polarizing positions and controversial actions risk creating division within the intelligence community and alienating key allies, potentially weakening collaboration on critical global security issues. At a time of heightened global tensions, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns, the position of DNI is more vital than ever. This role requires someone with not only technical expertise but also sound strategic foresight, diplomatic skill, and a steadfast commitment to defending U.S. interests and democratic principles. Ms. Gabbard’s record does not support these needs. In conclusion, I urge you to oppose Ms. Gabbard’s nomination and instead support a candidate whose qualifications, judgment, and commitment to American values meet the high standards required for this crucial role. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.