Jim Himes Questions Tulsi Gabbard on Leaked Signal Chat and Russian State Media Affiliations

Questions on Signal Chat Testimony

• 🎯 Rep. Jim Himes questioned Director Patel and Director Gabbard regarding their previous testimony about a Signal chat that included an Atlantic journalist.
• ⚠️ Himes presented an update from the Secretary of Defense detailing a "mission launch" with specific timings for F-18 and MQ9 drone strikes, directly contradicting their earlier statements of not being aware of information on weapons, packages, targets, or timing.
• 🧠 Director Gabbard stated she was not on that specific part of the chat and did not recall the exact details, attributing her response to a lack of recollection rather than direct involvement.
• ❓ Himes pressed Gabbard on her testimony, suggesting it was improbable to forget such details within a two-week period.

Classification Guidance and DoD Authority

• 🔍 Himes referenced ODNI's classification guidance, stating that information providing "indication or advanced warning that the US or its allies are preparing an attack" should be classified as top secret.
• ⚖️ Director Gabbard acknowledged this but pointed out that the Department of Defense (DoD) classification guidance is separate and that the Secretary of Defense holds the ultimate authority.
• 🤷 When asked if DoD guidance would be materially different, Gabbard stated she could not comment as she had not reviewed it.

Retweeting Russian State Media Affiliates

• 📢 Himes questioned Director Gabbard's decision to retweet a post from an individual affiliated with RT (Russia Today), a Russian state media outlet.
• 🗣️ Gabbard stated the retweet came from her personal account and asserted her First Amendment rights to express personal views.
• 🤝 Himes suggested that it might be more responsible to align personal and official communications, especially concerning allies and adversaries, to avoid confusion.