Lankford Backs Gabbard for DNI Position

Senator James Lankford (R-OK) affirmed his support for former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as the President-elect's nominee for Director of National Intelligence during a Sunday interview on NBC's 'Meet the Press.' Lankford's endorsement hinges on Gabbard's recent shift in position regarding FISA Section 702, which permits warrantless surveillance of non-U.S. citizens abroad to prevent terrorist threats. Despite her previous opposition to the measure while in Congress, Gabbard has now pledged to uphold Americans' Fourth Amendment rights while maintaining key national security tools. Lankford emphasized the importance of this authority for tracking potential overseas threats and dismissed claims that it infringes on the rights of American citizens. He urged his colleagues to overlook the media noise surrounding Trump's nominees and focus on their qualifications. Gabbard's confirmation hearing has yet to be scheduled.