In response to Tulsi Gabbard’s alarming confirmation hearing today, DNC Rapid Response Director Alex Floyd released the following statement:

“Tulsi Gabbard proved yet again that she is unfit to serve in our nation’s top intelligence post and would put Americans’ safety and security at risk. Donald Trump’s DNI pick refused to answer for her disastrous record that includes defending murderous dictators and promoting Russian-backed disinformation campaigns. Instead of demonstrating that she’ll stand up for the American people, Gabbard made it crystal clear that she will put loyalty to Trump and his extreme agenda over our national security.” 

Does Gabbard stand by her comments defending dictators like Vladimir Putin while attacking our democratic allies?

Sen. Michael Bennett: “At the very moment that Russian tanks were rolling across the peaceful border of Ukraine for the first time, you tweeted at 11:30 p.m. your time: ‘This war and suffering could have easily been avoided if Biden administration/NATO had simply acknowledged Russia’s … legitimate security concerns regarding Ukraine’s becoming a member of NATO. Did you say that? Yes or no?”

Gabbard: “I believe you’re reading my tweet, Senator.”

Sen. Bennett: “Yes is the answer. … You are agreeing that you basically said that Putin was justified in rolling over the peaceful border of Ukraine, the first time since World War II that a free nation had been invaded by a totalitarian state, and you were there at 11:30 p.m. that night to say that you are with them, not us. … You say you don’t know because you don’t read Russian propaganda. Russian state TV then aired your comments. Did you know that?”

Gabbard: *Dodges*

Does Gabbard still support banning FISA 702 – an integral national security tool used by the FBI?

Sen. Mark Warner: “What are the reforms that have led you to now support 702?

Gabbard: *Doesn’t answer question*

Sen. Warner: “I ask you a question. Please give me the courtesy of responding. You said the reforms now make you supportive. … Can you cite which reforms?”

Gabbard: *Doesn’t answer question*

Sen. Warner: “After the reforms were passed into law in April of ’24 … You went on Joe Rogan’s podcast in May … And you said ‘This bill took an already bad problem and made it many, many times worse.’ Again, in my mind, this is a question of judgment. 702 is critical. I appreciate this late conversion, but I’m not sure I buy it because you had such a consistent position.”

Would Gabbard follow illegal orders from Trump to withhold funds from the inspector general?

Sen. Ron Wyden: “If President Trump orders you to withhold appropriated funds from the inspector general, would you refuse that illegal order?”

Gabbard: *Doesn’t answer* 

Sen. Wyden: “That’s not what I’m asking. I’m asking if you are asked about an illegal order, what will you do?”

Gabbard: *Doesn’t answer again*