Florida Republicans want Gabbard as national security chief. Confirm her now

An Op-Ed by Tripp Scott CEO Ed Pozzuoli as published in the Miami Herald.

Recently, Tulsi Gabbard received starkly contrasting receptions in Florida and now in Washington, D.C.

Gabbard, who transitioned from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party and is now Donald Trump’s nominee for director of National Intelligence, visited Fort Lauderdale last year, where she was warmly welcomed.

However, as she arrives in Washington, D.C., for her confirmation hearing on Thursday, she faces sharp criticism and an ongoing smear campaign.

None of this happened in Florida when Gabbard took part in a book signing event at Tripp Scott, my Fort Lauderdale law firm, where she delivered a luncheon address and participated in a podcast interview. The soldier-legislator from Hawaii emphasized her personal goal as she takes the role to protect our country: “To save our country from an attack on our fundamental freedoms.” It’s that simple.

After her speech, a diverse group of South Florida’s leaders eagerly lined up to meet and encourage her. This group included businesspeople, state and local officials, first responders, military personnel, educators and members of a community deeply familiar with the erosion of rights under regimes like Castro’s Cuba and Maduro’s Venezuela.

I believe that these Floridians understand the cost of liberty and were drawn to the warnings outlined in Gabbard’s book, For Love of Country, which she autographed for attendees. 

In her book, Gabbard argues that the “Democratic elite,” along with their allies in Big Tech and the mainstream media, are undermining the rule of law. This message resonated with many in Florida, but it has sparked significant backlash in Washington.

As Gabriel’s confirmation hearing begins, her critics in Washington are working to discredit her.

Backed by the progressive think tank Foreign Policy for America, unnamed “national security officials” and political figures like Republican Sen. Susan Collins have questioned her qualifications.

The media, echoing these efforts, suggests her nomination is on “shaky ground” due to alleged “sympathy for dictators” and a supposed lack of experience.

These attacks ignore Gabbard’s extensive credentials. She served four terms in Congress, ran for president in 2020 as a Democrat and was vice chair of the Democratic National Committee for three years. She is also a decorated lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve, having commanded troops in Iraq, held an active security clearance, and participated in numerous classified congressional briefings.

It is worth noting that no concerns about her qualifications or loyalties were raised until her nomination by Trump. The true source of opposition lies in Gabbard’s willingness to expose how elites have endangered American freedoms. 

In her book, she critiques the intelligence community — including agencies like the CIA and FBI among an alphabet soup of 18 intelligence, military, security and law enforcement agencies.

Predictably, her opponents have resorted to the familiar playbook of invoking baseless allegations involving Russia. This narrative, rejected by voters who elected Trump, is now being weaponized against Gabbard.

The truth is that the establishment is not “alarmed” about Congresswoman Gabbard’s qualifications or loyalties. Their real worry: She’s shining light on how elites like them are “endangering us and our freedoms in… the most foundational ways.”

Her nomination reflects Trump’s commitment to “put the American people first” by returning the intelligence community to its rightful focus: protecting citizens, surveilling adversaries and upholding constitutional rights.

The intensity of the opposition to Gabbard is a testament to her impact. As she puts it, “We will be ready to defeat those who threaten our well-being, but war must always be the last resort.” Her balanced approach exemplifies strong leadership.

Gabbard, like Florida’s resilient communities, refuses to accept false choices. Her confirmation would signal a commitment to safeguarding freedom and ensuring accountability in the intelligence community. It’s time to confirm her.