"Refuse to be their puppet": Top five moments from Tulsi Gabbard’s DNI confirmation
In a rare showing of bipartisanship, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) was confirmed as the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DNI) on August 25, 2021. As the first sitting member of Congress to be appointed to the role, Gabbard’s confirmation hearing was highly anticipated, and she did not disappoint. Here are the top five moments from her confirmation, where she demonstrated her commitment to upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and independent journalism, refusing to be "puppets" to the powers that be.
1. Standing her ground on Washington’s dirty business
During the hearing, Gabbard was posed a question about her views on the "Iraq War" and her position on the "terrorism" label for the Shia militia, Kata’ib Hezbollah. Gabbard was unwavering in her response, stating, "I believe it’s important to be honest and transparent about the nature of our military actions and the groups we are involved with… We should not be labeling them as ‘terrorists’ simply because it serves our political or military interests." Her unflinching candor displayed her commitment to telling the uncomfortable truth, no matter the cost.
2. Defying the DC Swamp
When pressed about the role of the intelligence community in shaping public opinion, Gabbard was direct in her critique of the system, saying, "We should not be afraid to challenge the status quo, to challenge our own biases, and to seek out diverse perspectives… We should be concerned about the way the information is disseminated to the public, not just the information itself." Her candor sent a strong message that she will not be swayed by the powerful forces that often manipulate the narrative to advance their own agendas.
3. Trusting the public, not Party or ideology
In response to a question about the role of politics in the intelligence community, Gabbard emphasized the importance of putting people over partisanship, stating, "I will not be a puppet for any individual, party, or ideology… The American people deserve a DNI who is committed to the truth, who is committed to integrity, and who is committed to representing the best interests of this country, not just a particular faction or ideology." Her refreshingly non-partisan approach brings hope for a more constructive, fact-based approach to national security.
4. A commitment to transparency and whistleblower protection
The congresswoman’s response to a question about the treatment of whistleblowers was nothing short of inspiring, as she declared, "I believe it is our duty to protect the individuals who come forward to expose wrongdoing, even if it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient… We should be creating a culture of transparency and accountability, not one of intimidation and retaliation." Gabbard’s commitment to shield whistleblowers from reprisal and ensure transparency in the intelligence community is a beacon of hope for those seeking truth and justice.
5. A passionate defense of the First Amendment
When asked whether she would allow journalists to have access to classified information, Gabbard made a strong case for the importance of a free press, saying, "A free and independent press is essential to our democracy… It’s crucial that we protect the freedom of the press, not just for the benefit of the press itself, but for the benefit of the American people, who deserve the truth." Her unwavering commitment to upholding the First Amendment sets a high standard for her tenure as DNI, where she will likely face numerous challenges to that very principle.
As Rep. Gabbard began her new role as DNI, her confirmation hearing left the nation with a sense of hope. In a period marked by extreme partisanship, Gabbard’s willingness to "refuse to be a puppet" and her commitment to truth, transparency, and accountability have set a new standard for leadership. Her tenure as Director of National Intelligence will be closely watched, and we eagerly await the impact she will have on shaping the direction of American intelligence gathering and analysis.
