The Senate confirmation hearing for Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence took a critical turn as she addressed the failures and politicization of U.S. intelligence agencies. Gabbard emphasized that inadequate and weaponized intelligence has led to significant national security failures, citing the invasion of Iraq as a prime example. She argued that this decision, based on flawed intelligence, resulted in the deaths of thousands of American soldiers and millions in the Middle East, alongside destabilizing effects on European allies and the rise of extremist groups like ISIS.

Gabbard also pointed to the politicization of intelligence during Donald Trump's presidency, claiming that intelligence agencies were used to undermine his administration. She highlighted instances such as the illegal use of FISA to surveil Trump campaign advisor Carter Page and the dismissal of Hunter Biden's laptop as disinformation, which she attributed to political motivations.

Furthermore, Gabbard criticized former intelligence leaders for their lack of accountability, mentioning James Clapper's false testimony regarding mass surveillance and John Brennan's alleged abuses of power. She expressed concern over the FBI's surveillance of traditionalist Catholics and shared her personal experience of being placed on a domestic terror watch list after criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris.

In her closing remarks, Gabbard called for an end to the politicization of intelligence and a restoration of trust in the agencies responsible for national security. She framed her nomination as a mandate from the American people to break the cycle of failure and restore integrity within the intelligence community.