Former Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard's nomination for Director of National Intelligence (DNI) has become a point of contention between the Trump transition team and Senate Democrats. The Trump team alleges that Democrats are intentionally obstructing Gabbard's confirmation process, while Democrats maintain they are simply following standard procedure.
The dispute centers around the necessary paperwork and background checks required for a confirmation hearing. The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence states that it hasn't received crucial documents like Gabbard's ethics disclosure and FBI background check. These materials are required at least a week before a hearing can be scheduled.
However, Gabbard's representatives and the Trump transition team counter that the necessary paperwork was submitted on time and the FBI background check is complete. They also point out Gabbard's existing top-secret security clearance from her military service, which should expedite the process. They accuse Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner, a Democrat, of instructing other Democratic committee members to postpone meetings with Gabbard until he has met with her, thereby deliberately slowing down the confirmation process.
The Trump transition team emphasizes the importance of confirming national security nominees quickly, particularly given recent terrorist attacks. They highlight the bipartisan nature of such confirmations in the past and express frustration with what they perceive as political maneuvering by Democrats. They also claim that Senator Jon Ossoff, a Georgia Democrat, is the only Democratic committee member to have met with Gabbard so far.
Warner's office denies these accusations, stating that he has encouraged all committee members to meet with Gabbard and form their own opinions. Warner himself met with Gabbard and stated he still has many questions for her, underscoring the importance of a thorough vetting process for this critical position.
The incoming Intelligence Committee Chairman, Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican, intends to hold confirmation hearings before Inauguration Day. However, a source familiar with the situation indicates that Gabbard has not yet received the committee's advance policy questions, which she must answer before the hearing can proceed.
