Official records of the U.S. Senate and White House announcements

Trump's Nomination of Tulsi Gabbard as DNI Draws Fire; Haley Calls Her 'Russian Sympathizer'

Nov 20, 2024, 11:40 PM

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Tulsi Gabbard, a former congresswoman and Army veteran, to serve as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). The nomination has sparked criticism from several politicians and officials, including former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and Representative Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer. Haley questioned Gabbard's suitability for the role, labeling her a "Russian, Iranian, Syrian, Chinese sympathizer" and expressing concerns over Gabbard's past defense of those countries. She also highlighted Gabbard's meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and her lack of denouncement of those governments. Spanberger echoed similar sentiments, warning that Gabbard's alleged spreading of Kremlin propaganda could pose a threat to national security and questioning whether allies would share intelligence under her leadership. Critics have also raised concerns that Gabbard is unqualified and may be compromised due to her alleged sympathies.