1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence. This critical role demands an individual whose judgment and principles align with the values of democracy and global security. Ms. Gabbard’s troubling record raises serious concerns about her suitability for this position. Ms. Gabbard has shown a pattern of support for autocrats such as Bashar al-Assad of Syria and Vladimir Putin of Russia. She has downplayed Assad’s war crimes, including chemical weapon attacks on Syrian civilians, and even met with him in 2017, lending legitimacy to a dictator responsible for countless atrocities. Additionally, Ms. Gabbard’s commentary on Russia has often echoed Kremlin narratives, including deflecting blame for its aggression in Ukraine and other destabilizing actions. The role of DNI requires a leader who can be trusted to counter threats from adversaries like Russia and uphold alliances that are crucial to our national security. Confirming Ms. Gabbard would jeopardize these alliances, particularly with members of the Five Eyes intelligence network, who may question the reliability of U.S. leadership. This loss of trust would compromise our ability to respond collectively to global threats and undermine our standing as a defender of democracy. At a time when authoritarian regimes are actively working to weaken democracies, the United States must demonstrate a steadfast commitment to democratic principles. Ms. Gabbard’s record and worldview make her an unsuitable choice for this vital role. I urge you to oppose Ms. Gabbard’s confirmation. Our national security and international alliances are in jeopardy with her in this role.