Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the intelligence community, was briefly added to the TSA’s “Quiet Skies” program, triggering additional security screenings due to her international travel and foreign contacts. Gabbard’s subsequent public statements led to her quick removal from the list, despite assertions that her criticism of Kamala Harris was the cause. Security officials note that her past overseas engagements, including a controversial Syria trip, are unusual and raise concerns given the lax standards of the Quiet Skies program. Trump’s potential bypassing of standard background checks for his nominees further complicates the situation, leaving questions about the vetting process for such a sensitive position.
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President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for Director of National Intelligence, former Democratic lawmaker Tulsi Gabbard, has been criticized for her past statements and actions. Gabbard, a former Army National Guard soldier with no prior intelligence experience, has been accused of amplifying Russian propaganda and contradicting US intelligence assessments. Her tenure would likely be marked by clashes with government analysts who see Russia as a primary source of disinformation. While Gabbard has defended her positions, her critics cite her previous statements supporting Russia and criticizing US foreign policy as evidence of her lack of qualifications for the role. Her appointment has drawn concern from both Democrats and Republicans, highlighting a potential for controversy and conflict within the intelligence community.
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President-elect Trump’s nomination of Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence is deeply concerning, as her views on China, Russia, and Syria align with those of our adversaries. Gabbard’s record shows a willingness to blame the United States for the actions of hostile powers and disregard their threats to our national security. This nomination, if approved, would place a person with ideological sympathy for our adversaries in control of America’s intelligence community, jeopardizing our national security. The Senate must prioritize the nation’s safety and reject this nomination.
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Despite facing an indictment for mishandling classified information, former President Trump is set to receive sensitive national security briefings in preparation for his return to the White House. This decision, driven by longstanding tradition and the need for an orderly transition, has raised concerns among intelligence officials, considering Trump’s history of handling classified material and his potential to compromise national security. While the Biden administration has directed its officials to cooperate with Trump’s team, the upcoming transition presents a significant challenge, particularly given Trump’s past behavior with classified information and his team’s potential to bypass traditional vetting procedures for security clearances.
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John Q. Hosedrinker