The National Sheriffs’ Association has called on the U.S. Senate to quickly confirm former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) after giving her their full endorsement. National Sheriffs’ Association President Kieran Donahue wrote a letter to Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) calling for the Senate to expedite the confirmation of Gabbard.
“Ms. Gabbard has demonstrated a commitment to addressing the critical disconnect between our intelligence agencies and local law enforcement in preparing for sophisticated and pervasive threats,” the Idaho sheriff wrote.
Donahue also noted that cooperation between law enforcement and intelligence agencies was crucial in the aftermath of the New Year’s terrorist attack in New Orleans, where an Islamist radical killed 14 people. “These events, like the attacks of 9/11, underscore the urgent need for local law enforcement to have a seat at the table during strategic planning discussions. Ms. Gabbard has pledged to make this a priority,” he said.
President-elect Donald J. Trump named Gabbard for the position of Director of National Intelligence shortly after his November election victory, praising her political record. Gabbard, noted for her critiques of “forever war” foreign policy, has detractors among neocons like John Bolton.
Bolton briefly served as Trump’s security adviser during his first term before he was fired. He questioned Gabbard’s judgment, claiming she has “an inclination to believe the most outrageous propaganda against the United States by some of its strongest enemies.” The criticism was quickly dismissed by Trump transition spokesman Alexa Henning, who noted that Bolton had no credibility after writing in warmongering former Vice President Dick Cheney for the presidency.
Gabbard’s Senate hearing has not been officially scheduled but is expected to occur sometime next week.
