Donald Trump’s nominee Tulsi Gabbard refuses to label Edward Snowden a traitor in Senate hearing

Tulsi Gabbard, US President Donald Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, found herself under intense scrutiny over her past comments on Edward Snowden during her confirmation hearing for the role.

Senators from both political parties pushed her to condemn Snowden — the former NSA contractor who leaked classified information — as a traitor, but Gabbard refused to take a definitive stance.

Focus is on preventing future leaks

The exchange began when Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.), a supporter of Gabbard’s nomination, asked whether Edward Snowden was a traitor. Gabbard avoided giving a direct answer, instead emphasising that, if confirmed, her focus would be on preventing future leaks. She stated that, as director of national intelligence, she would be “committed” to working with others to ensure there would be no repeat of a Snowden-type leak.


Lankford pressed again, but Gabbard remained resolute, continuing to avoid a simple yes or no answer. “I am focused on the future and how we can prevent something like this from happening again,” she replied.

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Tension escalates

The tension escalated when Senator Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) intervened, pushing for a clear answer.

“Let me ask you again, do you believe — as the chairman of this committee believes, as the vast majority of members of our intelligence agencies believe — that Edward Snowden was a traitor to the United States of America,” he asked.

Bennet, growing frustrated with Gabbard’s evasiveness, interrupted her response. “This is when the rubber hits the road. This is not a moment for social media,” he said, referencing her cautious responses.

Clear stance demanded

Bennet emphasised that this was not the time for promoting theories, conspiracy theories, or attacks on journalism in the United States. He continued, stressing that now was the crucial moment to provide clear answers to the questions of those whose votes were needed for her confirmation as the nation's chief intelligence officer.

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Confirmation challenges

Ahead of the hearing, White House officials were aware that Gabbard’s confirmation could face difficulties due to her past remarks about Snowden and Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. A senior White House official acknowledged the two key issues she would have to navigate to secure her confirmation.

FAQs:

1. How did Tulsi Gabbard respond to questions about Edward Snowden being a traitor?
Gabbard avoided calling Snowden a traitor, instead focusing on her commitment to preventing future leaks similar to Snowden’s if confirmed as director of national intelligence.

2. What challenges did Gabbard face during her confirmation hearing?
Gabbard faced pressure from both parties over her past comments on Snowden and Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which were seen as potential obstacles to her confirmation.