WASHINGTON – President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to nominate Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence (DNI) draws sharp criticism from lawmakers and national security analysts over her past comments regarding Russia and Ukraine . Critics say his views could harm U.S. security and intelligence partnerships.

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

Her nomination is expected to face tough questions in the Senate, where Republicans and Democrats are expected to question her on her stance on Russia, Syria and her suitability to lead the nation’s intelligence community.

Why are Gabbard’s comments on Russia controversial?

At the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Gabbard expressed concerns about biological laboratories in Ukraine, which Moscow claimed were being used to create biological weapons. Although she later clarified that she was not accusing the United States or Ukraine of wrongdoing, her comments reflected Russian propaganda and earned her praise from Russian state media.

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

Gabbard’s foreign policy stance and ties to Syria

Gabbard’s approach to foreign policy has raised eyebrows for years. In 2017, she met secretly 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 it of legitimizing Assad’s brutal leadership. Gabbard defended her decision, saying it was part of a quest for peace. However, his critics argue that the meeting symbolized a troubling alignment with autocratic regimes.

Allies express concerns over intelligence cooperation

America’s intelligence-sharing allies are reportedly wary of Gabbard’s nomination. Analysts warn his leadership could strain trust within the Five Eyes alliance, which includes the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Thomas Juneau, a former strategic analyst for Canada’s Department of National Defense, warned that Gabbard’s appointment could lead to selective intelligence sharing. “This would negatively affect the Five Eyes, which is an extremely close partnership based 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 of Texas, have expressed confidence in his patriotism because of his military service, they also plan to question him about his past statements.

Trump 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 be the president’s top intelligence adviser.

The source :

This report includes information from the Associated Press.