Oppose Confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard as DNI

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the potential confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence (DNI). The DNI plays a vital role in overseeing and coordinating the activities of the U.S. intelligence community, ensuring national security, and maintaining the integrity of intelligence operations. Ms. Gabbard’s record, associations, and public positions raise serious doubts about her suitability for this critical position. 1. Lack of Intelligence and National Security Expertise The DNI requires extensive experience in intelligence operations, national security, and interagency coordination. Ms. Gabbard’s background as a former congresswoman and military officer, while commendable, does not include significant experience in the intelligence field. This lack of expertise would impede her ability to effectively manage the complex and sensitive operations of the intelligence community. 2. Controversial Foreign Policy Positions Ms. Gabbard has taken positions on foreign policy that have raised concerns across the political spectrum. Her repeated advocacy for engaging with authoritarian regimes, including her defense of Bashar al-Assad, is at odds with the values and strategies of the U.S. intelligence community. These stances could undermine U.S. alliances and diminish trust in our intelligence leadership. 3. Alignment with Disinformation and Conspiracy Theories Ms. Gabbard has, at times, amplified disinformation and conspiracy theories, including false claims about U.S. foreign policies and domestic issues. This behavior raises questions about her judgment and ability to discern credible intelligence from misinformation. As DNI, such tendencies could compromise the integrity of intelligence analysis and decision-making. 4. Potential for Politicization of Intelligence The DNI must be a nonpartisan figure committed to ensuring the objectivity of intelligence operations. Ms. Gabbard’s controversial political history and frequent alignment with fringe perspectives suggest a risk of politicizing the intelligence community. This would harm the agency’s credibility and weaken its ability to provide unbiased assessments to policymakers. 5. Strained Relationships with Key Allies The DNI must foster strong relationships with international partners to ensure global intelligence cooperation. Ms. Gabbard’s foreign policy positions and rhetoric have alienated key U.S. allies, which could hinder intelligence-sharing agreements and joint security efforts. Such a dynamic would weaken U.S. influence and security on the global stage. For these reasons, I strongly urge you to oppose the confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence. Thank you.