Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, has declined to comment on whether Iran's nuclear program posed an "imminent threat" to the United States. This statement came in response to questions about whether U.S. intelligence backed up White House statements about the start of the war. Her appearance before the Senate Intelligence Committee took place as the war entered its third week. The conflict has resulted in a spike in gas prices and political fallout ahead of the congressional midterm elections. Gabard's silence on the war has raised questions about her standing in the administration.