US Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s views on Russia have been shaped by her reading of Russian state-owned news site RT, according to three former aides. The outlet has been deemed a propaganda tool by US intelligence. Gabbard’s alignment with Kremlin talking points has raised concerns among national security experts.
Gabbard was first elected to Congress in 2012 and has since become known for her outspoken views on various issues. Her views on Russia, however, have drawn criticism from some who say she has adopted a pro-Kremlin stance.
According to two former aides, Gabbard regularly read RT and other Russian state-controlled news agencies to stay informed about developments in Ukraine. The site’s editor-in-chief, Margarita Simonyan, was sanctioned by the US for engaging in a “nefarious effort” to recruit unwitting American influencers to support Kremlin propaganda.
Gabbard has long been an outspoken supporter of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and has argued that his prosecution is an attack on freedom of speech. She has also co-sponsored resolutions calling for the release of Edward Snowden, a former NSA contractor who revealed US government surveillance capabilities through WikiLeaks.
Critics say Gabbard’s framing of the Russian invasion of Ukraine is particularly concerning, as it aligns closely with Kremlin talking points and has been debunked by US and NATO officials. RT has frequently reported on this narrative, using clips of Gabbard to support its claims.
Despite these concerns, some experts say that career intelligence officials can help shape Gabbard’s views on Russia through comprehensive briefings grounded in solid evidence. However, the fact that Trump’s hostility towards the intelligence community may continue under a new administration raises questions about whether Gabbard will prioritize intelligence community input or dismiss inconvenient truths.
Gabbard has denied accusations of being beholden to RT and has argued that her views on Russia are based on “undeniable facts” uncovered through independent research. However, critics say that her alignment with Kremlin talking points is a serious concern for national security experts.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/gabbards-views-russia-shaped-part-kremlin-propaganda-outlet/story?id=116430097