Sat Nov 16 02:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Trump’s Gabbard DNI Pick Sparks Intelligence Community Outrage
**Washington, D.C.** – President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of former Representative Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) has ignited a firestorm of criticism within the intelligence community. Current and former officials express deep concern over Gabbard’s lack of relevant experience and her history of making public statements aligning with Kremlin propaganda.
Gabbard, a former Democrat representing Hawaii, has a military background but lacks extensive intelligence expertise. Critics argue this deficiency is crucial, as the DNI requires a nuanced understanding of intelligence gathering and analysis. One former senior intelligence official emphasized the importance of interpreting uncertain information with trust, integrity, and independence—qualities they question in Gabbard.
However, concerns extend far beyond Gabbard’s resume. Her past pronouncements, echoing Russian narratives on the war in Ukraine and other issues, are seen as severely undermining US credibility and intelligence-sharing relationships with allies. Her 2017 meeting with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and subsequent refusal to label him a war criminal further fuel these concerns.
This distrust, officials warn, is exacerbated by existing anxieties among allies stemming from Trump’s previous actions, such as abandoning Kurdish fighters in Syria. The appointment of Gabbard, who has publicly defended actions taken by US adversaries, is viewed as adding further strain to these already fragile relationships.
Internal concerns are equally pronounced. A current intelligence official voiced apprehension that Gabbard’s track record of promoting misinformation could hinder her ability to earn the trust and respect of intelligence professionals. Furthermore, fears exist that she might manipulate intelligence analyses to fit a political agenda, potentially obscuring critical threats from the President and the public.
The lack of a traditional FBI vetting process for Gabbard, as reported by CNN, adds another layer of concern. The DNI’s responsibility for protecting US intelligence operations and personnel, along with crucial decision-making powers (such as the declassification of intelligence), necessitates the highest level of trust and scrutiny. The appointment has been described by some as “extraordinarily dangerous”. The situation has prompted comparisons to the challenges faced by the intelligence community during the previous Trump administration.
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