U.S.(Washington Insider Magazine) – President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Tulsi Gabbard for the role of Director of National Intelligence (DNI) has raised eyebrows, with the former Democratic lawmaker accused of echoing Russian propaganda. Gabbard, who has no prior intelligence experience, has long criticized U.S. foreign policy, especially in the Middle East, and often found herself at odds with U.S. intelligence assessments.
The accusations against her gained momentum after she posted a video in 2022 alleging U.S.-funded bio labs in Ukraine, a claim that originated from Russian disinformation and was widely debunked. This drew criticism from lawmakers across the political spectrum, with some accusing her of promoting “traitorous” views. She has denied the allegations, insisting her remarks were misunderstood and emphasizing her right to question the establishment.
Gabbard’s foreign policy stance has often aligned with Russian interests, with her 2020 presidential campaign receiving favorable coverage in Russian state media. She has also been skeptical of U.S. involvement in international conflicts, especially in Syria and Ukraine. Gabbard’s controversial positions and her past defense of dictators like Bashar al-Assad and Vladimir Putin have sparked concern about her suitability for the DNI role.
If confirmed, Gabbard would oversee 18 intelligence agencies and serve as the principal adviser on intelligence matters, a role critical to U.S. national security. However, her nomination may lead to tension within the intelligence community, especially given her history of challenging the conventional wisdom on global threats.
