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Trump's Intelligence Nominees Gabbard and Patel Face Senate Hearings Amid Skepticism
President Donald Trump's nominees for key intelligence roles, Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and Kash Patel for FBI Director, are set to face Senate confirmation hearings on Thursday. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii and Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel, is expected to be questioned at 10 a.m. ET about her past views on surveillance programs, including prior support for Edward Snowden, and her positions on Russia and Syria. Critics have questioned her judgment and suitability for the role, citing her past foreign policy stances. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed strong opposition, stating that few could be worse for national security than Gabbard. Supporters, including Senator Tom Cotton and several former intelligence officials, praise her patriotism and commitment to reforming the intelligence community. Aryeh Lightstone, former senior adviser to the U.S. ambassador to Israel, said, 'This is the change we need, and Gabbard is the right person to lead us there.' Patel's confirmation hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. ET, with over 50 former FBI agents backing his nomination to lead the bureau and restore trust. As both nominees prepare for their hearings, the Senate faces a pivotal decision that could reshape U.S. intelligence agencies.