Tulsi Gabbard's nomination to lead US intelligence raises scrutiny over past Russia comments

Tulsi Gabbard chosen as DNI

President-elect Donald Trump has chosen former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard to serve as director of national intelligence. "I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community, championing our Constitutional Rights, and securing Peace through Strength," said Trump of Gabbard, who had previously been rumored to be considered for defense secretary and CIA director.

WASHINGTON - President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to nominate Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) is drawing sharp criticism from lawmakers and national security analysts over her past comments regarding Russia and Ukraine. Critics say her views could undermine U.S. security and intelligence partnerships.

Gabbard, a former Democratic congressional representative and Army National Guard veteran, has a controversial record, including her support for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s justification for invading Ukraine. In 2022, Gabbard echoed Moscow’s claim about U.S.-funded biolabs in Ukraine, a narrative widely debunked and identified as Russian propaganda.

Her nomination is set to face tough questions in the Senate, where both Republicans and Democrats are expected to grill her over her stance on Russia, Syria, and her suitability for leading the country’s intelligence community.

Why are Gabbard’s Russia comments controversial?

In the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Gabbard voiced concerns about biolabs in Ukraine, which Moscow claimed were being used to create bioweapons. While she later clarified that she wasn’t accusing the U.S. or Ukraine of wrongdoing, her comments mirrored Russian propaganda and earned her praise from Russian state media.

She has also expressed skepticism about U.S. support for Ukraine, calling it antagonistic toward Russia. Critics, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., say her views could compromise U.S. intelligence operations. "Do you really want her to have all of the secrets of the United States and our defense intelligence agencies when she has so clearly been in Putin’s pocket?" Warren said on MSNBC.

Gabbard’s foreign policy stance and ties to Syria

Gabbard’s foreign policy approach has raised eyebrows for years. In 2017, she secretly met with Syrian President Bashar Assad, a close ally of Russia and Iran, despite U.S. sanctions and accusations of war crimes against his regime.

The meeting drew backlash from Democrats, who accused her of legitimizing Assad’s brutal leadership. Gabbard defended her decision, saying it was part of a pursuit of peace. However, her critics argue the meeting symbolized a troubling alignment with autocratic regimes.

US allows Ukraine to use missiles to strike Russia

The Kremlin warned Monday that President Joe Biden’s decision to let Ukraine strike targets inside Russia with U.S.-supplied longer-range missiles adds "fuel to the fire" of the war and would escalate international tensions even higher. Biden’s shift in policy added an uncertain, new factor to the conflict on the eve of the 1,000-day milestone since Russia began its full-scale invasion in 2022. LiveNOW from FOX host Mike Pache spoke to Dan Byman, Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International studies on the latest.

Allies express concerns about intelligence cooperation

America’s intelligence-sharing allies are reportedly wary of Gabbard’s nomination. Analysts warn that her leadership could strain trust within the Five Eyes alliance, which includes the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Thomas Juneau, a former strategic analyst for Canada’s Department of National Defence, cautioned that Gabbard’s nomination could lead to selective sharing of intelligence. "This would negatively affect the Five Eyes, which is an extremely close partnership premised on an extraordinarily high level of trust," he said.

What happens next in Gabbard’s confirmation?

The Senate is expected to hold hearings on Gabbard’s nomination in the coming weeks. While some Republicans, like Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, have voiced confidence in her patriotism due to her military service, they also plan to question her about her past statements.

Trump has praised Gabbard for her willingness to challenge the establishment, describing her as a "courageous leader" who will reform U.S. intelligence operations.

If confirmed, Gabbard would oversee 18 intelligence agencies, including the CIA and NSA, and serve as the president’s principal intelligence adviser.