The Senate Confirmation Hearing for Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence took place on January 30, 2025, focusing on her past statements regarding U.S. foreign policy, particularly in Syria. The session was marked by a rigorous examination of Gabbard's views on the U.S. involvement in the Syrian conflict and her criticisms of previous administrations.

The hearing began with a senator questioning Gabbard about her past comments, specifically her assertion that the U.S. was providing support to terrorist groups in Syria. The senator referenced her 2016 interview and statements made during a 2019 Democratic presidential debate, where she accused the Trump administration of betraying U.S. interests by allegedly supporting Al Qaeda. Gabbard responded by emphasizing her military background and commitment to combating terrorism, expressing her shock at the U.S. government's actions under President Obama, which she claimed involved arming groups aligned with Al Qaeda.

Gabbard articulated her belief that the U.S. involvement in regime change efforts in Syria had led to the rise of Islamist extremists, drawing parallels to past U.S. interventions in Iraq and Libya. She criticized the notion of supporting "moderate rebels," arguing that these groups were often connected to extremist factions. Gabbard expressed concern over the current state of Syria, highlighting the persecution of religious minorities under the existing regime.

The discussion also touched on the implications of Gabbard's statements, with a senator expressing concern about the potential for her comments to echo Russian and Syrian propaganda while undermining U.S. intelligence assessments. Gabbard countered that it was crucial for Americans to be aware of their government's actions, particularly regarding support for groups like Al Qaeda.

As the hearing progressed, bipartisan support for Gabbard's service was evident, with senators acknowledging the importance of truth in intelligence matters. The session concluded with a recognition of the complexities surrounding U.S. foreign policy and the need for thorough due diligence in intelligence operations.

Overall, the hearing underscored the contentious nature of U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts and the challenges faced by intelligence leaders in navigating these issues. Gabbard's confirmation remains pending as the committee deliberates on her suitability for the role of Director of National Intelligence.