Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), who serves as the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii), now a Republican and President-elect Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence, “a national security threat” to the United States.
During an MSNBC appearance on Monday, Meeks expressed concerns about Gabbard’s past actions, citing her favorable remarks about Syrian President Bashar Assad and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
He argued that her history of such positions made her unfit for the intelligence role, stating, “Under ordinary circumstances, she would not pass the test to receive classified documents.”
Trump’s pick for national intelligence director sparks controversy and criticism
Trump revealed last week that he had chosen Gabbard for the role in his upcoming administration, praising her as a fearless leader who would bring her “illustrious career” to the Intelligence Community, emphasizing her commitment to securing the nation through strength and championing constitutional rights.
Gabbard’s past actions have raised serious controversy, including her promotion of a Russian-backed narrative claiming U.S. involvement in biological weapons research in Ukraine. She also met with Assad in 2017, despite his alleged use of chemical weapons on civilians in Syria.
Meeks commented on Gabbard’s tenure on the Foreign Affairs Committee, noting her secret visit to Assad and public statements on Russia. He linked these actions to the broader patterns of Trump’s rhetoric and actions, particularly his controversial stance of trusting Russian intelligence over that of the United States.
Further opposition to Gabbard’s nomination came from other Democrats, including Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.), a former CIA officer. Spanberger condemned the choice, expressing her outrage on social media, stating that Gabbard’s appointment was an affront to the intelligence community and the sacrifices of U.S. operatives.
