Sen. Jon Ossoff, the first Senate Democrat to have an official meeting with Tulsi Gabbard, expressed openness to supporting her confirmation as director of national intelligence. Ossoff, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, emphasized the importance of gathering more information before making a final decision.
During their meeting, Ossoff stated, 'I want to remain open-minded about these nominees as they move through the process. You know, there are confirmation meetings ahead, more questions to ask, more information to seek about qualifications and objectives.' He underscored the need to ensure that nominees for sensitive intelligence positions align with the national interests and security of the United States.
Gabbard's past positions on Russia's war in Ukraine and her meeting with Bashar al-Assad in 2017 have drawn criticism. However, Ossoff did not disclose whether they specifically discussed her comments on Ukraine during their meeting. He mentioned that their conversation covered a wide range of global issues and focused on the responsibilities Gabbard would undertake as DNI if confirmed.
Ossoff described the meeting as productive, stating that it provided him with insights into Gabbard's worldview and her approach to the role of DNI. He emphasized the importance of understanding Gabbard's perspective and objectives in order to make an informed decision regarding her confirmation.
