Lankford Comments On Gabbard


Senator James Lankford (R-OK) has officially thrown his support behind former Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) to serve as President-elect Donald Trump’s Director of National Intelligence (DNI), marking a significant shift in his position.

Lankford, who had previously expressed concerns about Gabbard's stance on FISA Section 702—a critical tool for intelligence gathering on foreign threats—indicated during an appearance on NBC's Meet The Press that his hesitations have now been resolved.

Lankford’s earlier reservations stemmed from Gabbard’s prior votes against reauthorizing Section 702 during her time in Congress. This provision allows the U.S. Intelligence Community to monitor foreign actors overseas who may be planning attacks on American soil. Critics of the program, including Gabbard at the time, argued that it risked infringing on Americans' civil liberties—a concern that has fueled bipartisan debate over its scope and implementation.

However, Lankford clarified that his initial concerns have been addressed following discussions with Gabbard and a review of updates made to the program in recent years. “She voted against 702 authority,” he acknowledged, but added, “She’s now coming in and saying, ‘Those changes have been done.’” Lankford highlighted that Congress has since implemented reforms to bolster protections for Americans’ civil rights, alleviating Gabbard’s—and his own—prior objections.

“It’s a very important piece for me,” Lankford said, explaining the program’s purpose. “That authority is for actually trying to be able to track terrorists overseas. That has nothing to do with American citizens or anything that’s happening in the United States. It is if someone’s planning to attack us overseas, we find out about that.”

With those assurances in place, Lankford firmly stated that he is now a "yes" on Gabbard’s confirmation, signaling growing Republican support for her appointment. For Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman and a military veteran, the nomination represents her latest step into a more bipartisan role, further solidifying her unique position within the political landscape.

President-elect Trump’s selection of Gabbard as DNI was seen by many as an unconventional but strategic choice, aimed at fostering a shakeup within the intelligence community. Known for her outspoken and often independent views, Gabbard has long been a critic of entrenched political and bureaucratic systems, earning her both praise and criticism from across the political spectrum. Her experience as a combat veteran and her willingness to challenge party orthodoxy have made her a polarizing figure but also a symbol of bipartisanship.

The endorsement from Lankford, a key voice in national security matters, represents a significant boost for Gabbard as she prepares for what is likely to be a contentious confirmation process. With concerns about the balance between civil liberties and national security continuing to dominate discussions about intelligence oversight, Gabbard’s confirmation hearings will undoubtedly serve as a litmus test for how the incoming administration intends to navigate these critical issues.

Previous Senator Britt Reveals Certain Info Was Kept From Her
Next Rep. Ogles Reveals Bill For Trump To Negotiate Possible Acquisition