Gabbard under fire, Patel gets support: US Senate hearings – Rezazade
The vice president of the Iranian opposition in Washington, Ali Reza Rezazade, indicated that hearings were held in the US Senate yesterday on two key national security appointments.
Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who was nominated by Donald Trump to be the Director of National Intelligence, faced harsh criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. In contrast, Kash Patel, who was proposed to be the Director of the FBI, received Republican support, despite opposition from Democrats.
Senators have repeatedly pressed Gabbard, demanding a clear answer from her about Edward Snowden, who in 2013 revealed classified US government surveillance programs. They wanted to hear what she considered him a “traitor.” Hubbard acknowledged that Snowden had broken the law, but she also stressed that his actions exposed the government’s “illegal and unconstitutional programs.”
Democratic Senator Michael Bennett (D-Colorado) raised his voice, demanding a direct answer:
“Yes or no, is Edward Snowden a traitor to the United States?”
Hubbard tried to explain her position, but Bennett cut her off sharply:
“You obviously don’t understand that.”
Republicans also expressed their displeasure. Senator Todd Young (D-Indiana) noted in disappointment:
“It’s remarkable that you never said yes.”
In 2020, Hubbard introduced a bill that proposed to drop all charges against Snowden, which is now raising even more questions among senators.
Unlike Hubbard, Kash Patel, a 44-year-old lawyer and former national security official, has received warm support from Republicans. Patel, who helped Trump uncover possible abuses during the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, has become a favorite among conservatives.
Despite fierce opposition from Democrats, his confirmation as FBI director seems more likely than Gabbard’s chances of becoming director of intelligence.
Both candidates still need to be confirmed by the Senate. If Patel has a chance of getting the necessary support, the situation looks much more difficult for Gabbard, given her past views and her reluctance to prosecute Snowden.
Will Trump be able to lead his nominees? That will become clear in the near future.
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Новости «Новости мира»
Новости мираAccording to the Iranian opposition, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been moved to a special underground shelter in Tehran amid a sharp increase in the risks of a possible military clash with the United States.
Новости мираВерховный лидер Ирана Али Хаменеи, по информации иранской оппозиции, был перемещён в специальное подземное укрытие в Тегеране на фоне резкого роста рисков возможного военного столкновения с Соединёнными Штатами.
Новости мираThe US is facing a difficult test of its ability to contain escalation in relations with Iran amid the largest popular protests in decades and the Iranian regime’s harsh crackdown on civilians.
Новости мираСША стоят перед сложным испытанием своей способности сдерживать эскалацию в отношениях с Ираном на фоне самых масштабных за последние десятилетия народных протестов и жёсткого подавления иранским режимом мирного населения.