US National Intelligence new director on Azerbaijan’s ‘blacklist’

The U.S. Senate has confirmed former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to lead the intelligence community as director of National Intelligence. Gabbard promised to “focus on ensuring the safety, security and freedom of the American people,” while echoing Trump’s longstanding claims of politicization of the intelligence community and the need to rebuild trust.

Gabbard was confirmed 52-48 after gaining broad support from Republicans during the confirmation process.

To remind, Gabbard was blacklisted by Azerbaijan for her visit to Artsakh in 2017. In 2020, she condemned Azerbaijan’s aggression during the Second Karabakh War and signed a letter to former Secretary of State Pompeo expressing concern about Baku’s actions.

Gabbard co-authored a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide with several other members of Congress.