WATCH: Sen. King asks Gabbard why climate change was not included in latest worldwide threats report - PBS NewsHour

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Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, asked Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Tuesday why climate change was not included in this year’s worldwide threats report.

During a hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, King said climate change has been included in past reports, noting how it’s a significant national security threat.

“Has something happened, has global climate change been solved?" King asked.

“I can't speak to the decisions made previously, but this annual threat assessment has been focused very directly on the threats that we deem most critical to the United States and our national security,” Gabbard said. “Obviously we're aware of occurrences within the environment and how they may impact operations, but we're focused on the direct threats to American safety, wellbeing and security.”

King said climate change affects mass migration, famine and political violence.

When asked by the senator if she directed her team to leave out climate change in the report, Gabbard said she doesn’t recall giving that instruction. - Aired on 03/25/2025.