Former Democratic lawmaker Tulsi Gabbard has come under fire following President-elect Donald Trump's decision to nominate her as the Director of National Intelligence, a cabinet-level position. The announcement sparked strong reactions from several Democratic lawmakers who raised concerns about Gabbard's qualifications and past associations.
Rep. Abigail Spanberger of Virginia expressed her dismay over the selection, labeling Gabbard as ill-prepared and unqualified. Spanberger criticized Gabbard for allegedly promoting conspiracy theories and maintaining close ties with controversial figures such as Bashar al-Assad and Vladimir Putin.
Similarly, Rep. Jared Moskowitz from Florida condemned the nomination as 'incredibly reckless,' citing Gabbard's perceived sympathies towards foreign adversaries. Moskowitz argued that appointing someone with Gabbard's background could jeopardize national security interests.
Another Democratic representative, Seth Magaziner of Rhode Island, raised concerns about Gabbard's connections to adversarial leaders like Assad and Putin. Magaziner warned that entrusting Gabbard with sensitive national intelligence could potentially compromise classified information and put the country at risk.
Gabbard, who previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat, announced her affiliation with the Republican Party after endorsing Trump in the 2024 election. A military veteran with over two decades of service, Gabbard emphasized the importance of diplomatic solutions before resorting to military action in a recent statement.
As the controversy surrounding Gabbard's nomination continues to unfold, her critics remain vocal about their reservations regarding her suitability for the role of Director of National Intelligence.
