Nikki Haley Accuses Tulsi Gabbard of Allegiance to Russia, China, and Iran During Criticism of DNI Nomination

On Air, Microphone

Nikki Haley launches a scathing attack on Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as Director of National Intelligence, citing alleged sympathies for adversarial nations.

At a Glance

  • Nikki Haley criticizes Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as DNI on her SiriusXM radio show
  • Haley accuses Gabbard of sympathizing with Russia, Iran, Syria, and China
  • Gabbard’s past foreign policy stances, including meeting with Syrian President Assad, are highlighted
  • Haley urges Republican senators to reject Gabbard’s nomination
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as Health Secretary is also criticized by Haley

Haley’s Concerns Over Gabbard’s Nomination

Former Republican presidential candidate and UN Ambassador Nikki Haley has raised serious concerns about President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence. Speaking on her SiriusXM radio show, Haley painted a picture of Gabbard as unsuitable for the critical role due to her alleged sympathies for nations often at odds with U.S. interests.

Haley’s criticism stems from Gabbard’s past foreign policy positions, which have been controversial within both Democratic and Republican circles. Gabbard, who recently switched to the Republican Party after endorsing Trump’s campaign, has faced accusations of promoting Russian propaganda and supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Specific Allegations Against Gabbard

Haley didn’t mince words when detailing her objections to Gabbard’s nomination. She highlighted several key points of contention, including Gabbard’s stance on Iran and her meeting with Assad.

“She opposed ending the Iran nuclear deal. She opposed sanctions on Iran. She opposed designating the Iran military as terrorists who say death to America every single day. She said that Donald Trump turned the U.S. into Saudi Arabia’s prostitute. This is going to be the future head of our national intelligence … [DNI is] not a place for a Russian, Iranian, Syrian, Chinese sympathizer.” – Nikki Haley

Haley’s strong words underscore the gravity of her concerns about Gabbard’s potential influence on U.S. national security policy. The former UN Ambassador’s critique extends beyond policy disagreements, suggesting that Gabbard’s worldview is fundamentally at odds with the responsibilities of the DNI position.

The Assad Controversy

One of the most contentious points in Haley’s criticism of Gabbard is the latter’s 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. This meeting occurred amidst allegations of Assad’s use of chemical weapons against his own people, an act that drew international condemnation.

“She said she was skeptical that he was behind the chemical weapons attacks. Now, this to me is disgusting because Cheney, you and I were at the United Nations when Assad did those chemical attacks on those children. … And you can go back and look at a speech I gave holding up pictures of dead children who had been killed by chemical attacks. … For her to say that Assad was not behind that. Literally, everything she said about that, were Russian talking points.” – Nikki Haley

Haley’s emotional recollection of her time at the UN during the Syrian crisis adds weight to her criticism of Gabbard’s stance on Assad. By characterizing Gabbard’s statements as “Russian talking points,” Haley is questioning not just Gabbard’s judgment but her loyalties as well.

Call for Senate Action

In light of her concerns, Haley has taken the extraordinary step of urging Republican senators to oppose Gabbard’s nomination. This call to action from a prominent figure within the party could potentially influence the confirmation process, should it proceed.

Haley’s critique of Gabbard’s nomination is part of a broader set of concerns she has voiced about President-elect Trump’s cabinet choices. She has also expressed reservations about the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services, citing his lack of relevant experience in the field of public health.

As the debate over these nominations unfolds, it remains to be seen how Republican senators and the broader public will respond to Haley’s warnings about Gabbard’s suitability for the critical role of Director of National Intelligence.

Sources:

  1. Nikki Haley blasts Gabbard as a Russian, Chinese and Iranian ‘sympathizer’
  2. Nikki Haley blasts Gabbard and RFK Jr. as Cabinet choices

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