Overview

• Tulsi Gabbard repeatedly declined to label Edward Snowden a 'traitor,' frustrating both Republican and Democratic senators during her confirmation hearing.
• Gabbard defended her controversial 2017 meeting with then-Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, arguing it was for diplomatic purposes, though she acknowledged no concessions were made.
• Her shifting stance on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which she previously sought to repeal, raised concerns about her credibility and understanding of the law.
• Senators questioned her judgment on past comments regarding NATO's role in Russia's invasion of Ukraine and her alignment with Russian talking points.
• With her nomination hinging on a narrow Senate Intelligence Committee vote, key Republican swing votes remain undecided after the hearing.