Tulsi Gabbard to Pledge ‘Laser-Like Focus’ on ‘Safety, Security, and Freedom’ at Confirmation Hearing

“What really upsets my political opponents is… my refusal to be anyone’s puppet.”

Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, will pledge an unwavering commitment to ensuring the “safety, security, and freedom” of all Americans during her confirmation hearings on Thursday, according to excerpts of her opening statement.

Gabbard will appear before the Senate Intelligence Committee in Washington, D.C., where she will face questions from senators, including those skeptical of her nomination. In her remarks, she will emphasize the need for a significant overhaul of the intelligence community and assert that she is the right person to lead the effort.

“President Trump’s reelection is a clear mandate from the American people to break this cycle of failure, end the weaponization and politicization of the IC, and begin to restore trust in those who have been charged with the critical task of securing our nation,” Gabbard will state. “If confirmed as DNI, I will fulfill this mandate and bring leadership to the intelligence community with a laser-like focus on our essential mission: ensuring the safety, security, and freedom of the American people.”

The Senate Intelligence Committee consists of nine Republican members and eight Democrats, making it crucial for Gabbard to secure support from every Republican senator.

Republican senators Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Susan Collins of Maine have expressed concerns about her nomination, with Collins serving on the committee.

Gabbard will also highlight her background as a veteran, stating:

“My experiences on the battlefield and in the halls of Congress have given me a deep understanding of the complex challenges our nation faces. I’ve been a consumer of intelligence as a member of Congress and a member of our armed forces for over two decades. I know firsthand how essential accurate, unbiased, and timely intelligence is—to the President, to Congress, and to our warfighters—and the heavy cost of intelligence failures and abuses.”

She will also address the controversy surrounding her nomination and acknowledge criticism from her opponents.

“The truth is: what really upsets my political opponents is my consistent record of independence, regardless of political affiliation, and my refusal to be anyone’s puppet,” Gabbard will argue. “You know who else is committed to defending our country and reforming Washington with a fierce and unparalleled independence? President Donald J. Trump, who ran and won with a mandate for change this November.”

Additionally, Gabbard will reaffirm her commitment to the U.S. Constitution, stating:

“My life is a testament to the truth of my loyalty to God, country, and the Constitution. If confirmed as Director of National Intelligence, I will continue to live by the oath I have sworn at least eight times in my life, both in uniform and as a civilian: to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.”