President Donald Trump’s second term is already shaping up to be a battle against the entrenched establishment, and nowhere is this more evident than in the confirmation hearings of Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Facing relentless attacks from both sides of the aisle, Gabbard has become a lightning rod for controversy, particularly due to her refusal to label Edward Snowden a traitor. If Senate obstructionists succeed in blocking her confirmation, Trump should waste no time in sending a powerful message—by immediately pardoning Snowden.
The Establishment’s Hatred for Gabbard and Snowden
Gabbard’s nomination as DNI was never going to be smooth sailing. A longtime critic of foreign interventionism and the intelligence community’s overreach, she represents a stark departure from the status quo. During her confirmation hearings, senators grilled her over past statements criticizing the military-industrial complex and her unwillingness to blindly support the intelligence agencies’ narratives. But one of the sharpest lines of attack came over her stance on Snowden.
Unlike many in Washington, Gabbard has recognized the complex nature of Snowden’s actions. While acknowledging that he broke the law, she has also pointed out that his revelations exposed unconstitutional mass surveillance on American citizens. That nuanced stance has drawn the ire of hawks and career intelligence officials who view any criticism of the surveillance state as a threat.
If Gabbard is ultimately rejected as DNI, it will not be because she is unqualified—it will be because the deep state and its allies fear her. And if they succeed in keeping her out, Trump should make them regret it by granting clemency to one of their most despised figures: Edward Snowden.
Why Pardoning Snowden Would Be the Perfect Response
1. Exposing the Hypocrisy of Washington’s Elite
Snowden’s leaks revealed widespread and illegal spying operations conducted by the National Security Agency (NSA), yet the only person facing lasting consequences is Snowden himself. Meanwhile, the very officials who orchestrated mass surveillance—such as former DNI James Clapper, who lied to Congress about it—have faced zero accountability. By pardoning Snowden, Trump would be highlighting the absurd double standard at play.
2. A Direct Challenge to the Intelligence Bureaucracy
The intelligence community has operated with near-total impunity for decades, leveraging classified information and media narratives to maintain control. If Trump allows them to torpedo Gabbard’s confirmation, it will only embolden them. A Snowden pardon would be a bold, unmistakable signal that he is not afraid to challenge their power.
3. Rallying His Supporters and Cementing His Legacy
Trump’s supporters already view him as a disruptor willing to take on the establishment. A Snowden pardon would further cement that image. At this point in his final presidency, his focus is not on voters but on reinforcing his movement and ensuring that his policies and priorities leave a lasting mark. It would be a rare move that solidifies his reputation as a champion against deep-state overreach.
4. Payback Against the Senate’s Anti-Trump Forces
If the Senate blocks Gabbard, it will be yet another example of entrenched politicians resisting Trump’s efforts to reshape the government. Rather than accepting defeat, Trump should turn their obstruction into an opportunity. A high-profile pardon of Snowden would put the spotlight back on government corruption and the abuses of the intelligence agencies—issues that many senators would rather keep buried.
Conclusion: A Defiant Move with Lasting Impact
If Tulsi Gabbard is denied confirmation as DNI, Trump should not view it as a mere political loss. Instead, he should see it as an opportunity to strike back in a way that will reverberate for years to come. Pardoning Edward Snowden would not only serve as just retribution against the forces blocking reform, but it would also reinforce Trump’s legacy as a leader willing to challenge the unchecked power of Washington’s elite.
The establishment wants to erase whistleblowers like Snowden and silence reformers like Gabbard. Trump has the power to ensure that neither happens. If Gabbard is rejected, a Snowden pardon should be immediate and unapologetic—a direct rebuke to the deep state’s stranglehold on American democracy.
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