Fri Nov 15 05:49:47 UTC 2024: ## Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard Appointed Director of National Intelligence, Raising Concerns
Donald Trump has appointed former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as the Director of National Intelligence, a move that has sent shockwaves through US national security circles. Gabbard, known for her anti-war stance and skepticism of US foreign policy, has been publicly accused of being “groomed” by Russia by Hillary Clinton.
Gabbard, who served as the Democratic representative for Hawaii between 2013 and 2021, made a surprise visit to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2017 and criticized US foreign policy during her 2020 presidential campaign. She later left the Democratic party, endorsed Trump, and became a prominent voice in his orbit.
Despite lacking experience in intelligence or serving on the House intelligence committee, Gabbard will now oversee 18 intelligence agencies, including the CIA and FBI. Her appointment has been met with skepticism from experts, who question her lack of qualifications and her past statements seen as sympathetic to Russia.
Critics point to her 2019 attack on Kamala Harris during a Democratic debate, her social media posts calling for a neutral Ukraine, and her subsequent move to become a Republican supporter. These actions, they argue, raise concerns about her loyalty and judgment.
Trump, however, has made it clear that he wants to overhaul the national security apparatus, which he views as part of a “deep state” working against him. Gabbard’s position, while considered less powerful than the CIA Director, could be influential due to her close relationship with the former president.
The Senate confirmation process will be crucial in determining whether Gabbard will take on this critical role, with her past statements and alleged ties to Russia likely to be the subject of intense scrutiny.
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