Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence, has come under fire over her past associations with Russia and Syria. Critics argue that her support for the Syrian regime and questionable views on US foreign policy are concerning.
Gabbard, a former Hawaii congresswoman, visited Russian-backed dictator Bashar al-Assad in 2017, four years after he was accused of gassing his own people. Her defense of Assad has raised questions about her judgment. John Bolton, former Trump National Security Adviser, called her views “a funhouse of mirrors” and said she had an inclination to believe “outrageous propaganda against the United States.”
Russian state media has backed Gabbard for the spy chief role, fueling concerns among her critics. Despite her connections to Russia, Gabbard will need Senate confirmation to take up the role overseeing 18 intelligence agencies and managing a budget of over $70 billion.
Gabbard’s former Democratic colleagues have defended her, calling her “extremely bright and capable.” However, some Republicans have questioned her loyalty to Trump, with Adam Kinzinger tweeting that Gabbard might offer Assad safe harbor at her home. The nomination has sparked debate about Gabbard’s qualifications and fitness for the role.
Source: https://www.thedailybeast.com/tulsi-gabbard-scrambles-to-save-spy-job-as-another-trump-pick-hits-trouble