Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin recently defended President-elect Donald Trump's choice of Tulsi Gabbard as the director of national intelligence, despite her past support for the Assad regime in Syria. Mullin highlighted that Gabbard's stance has evolved over time, especially considering the actions of Assad and the situation in Syria since 2017.
During her visit to Syria, Gabbard, a former captain in the National Guard, met with Bashar al-Assad, which drew criticism for her pro-Assad and pro-Russia rhetoric. In 2019, Gabbard reiterated that she did not regret her trip to Syria, even as she faced backlash for questioning whether the Assad regime had used chemical weapons in 2017.
Despite these controversies, Mullin expressed confidence in Gabbard's qualifications for the role, emphasizing that she holds the necessary clearances and capabilities to perform the duties of the director of national intelligence effectively. He stated that Gabbard is '100 percent qualified' and deemed her as the ideal candidate for the position.
While Gabbard's past statements and actions have raised concerns among some critics, Mullin's endorsement underscores his belief in her ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the role. As discussions continue regarding Gabbard's nomination, her evolving perspectives on international affairs and national security will likely remain under scrutiny.
