(LibertySociety.com) – Senator-elect Adam Schiff (D-CA) has voiced strong opposition to President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of former Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) to lead the U.S. intelligence community as Director of National Intelligence (DNI). During an appearance on MSNBC’s Inside, Schiff argued that Gabbard’s lack of experience and controversial positions make her ill-suited for the role.
Schiff highlighted Gabbard’s limited qualifications, pointing out that she has no prior service on the House Intelligence Committee or involvement in intelligence-related military operations. “The DNI is a position that requires deep understanding of complex intelligence programs and interagency coordination,” Schiff said. “Gabbard simply doesn’t have the necessary experience.”
Beyond concerns about her inexperience, Schiff also criticized Gabbard’s judgment, accusing her of echoing Kremlin talking points regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He also referenced her controversial 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whom Schiff described as a “murderous dictator.” He argued that such actions raise serious questions about her reliability in representing U.S. interests.
“Trust is essential for the DNI, especially when working with our allies and intelligence partners,” Schiff said. “Gabbard’s past positions and actions risk undermining that trust and could jeopardize critical intelligence-sharing relationships.”
The senator-elect also expressed broader concerns about the influence Gabbard could wield within the Trump administration. Given her past stances on figures like Assad and Vladimir Putin, Schiff warned that her leadership might steer U.S. intelligence policy in a dangerous direction. He emphasized the DNI’s pivotal role in advising the president on national security threats and managing interagency competition, suggesting Gabbard lacks the temperament and expertise for such responsibilities.
While Trump has defended Gabbard’s nomination as a bold choice to “shake up” the intelligence community, Schiff’s critique underscores the significant resistance she is likely to face during Senate confirmation hearings. The debate over her appointment reflects deeper divisions on foreign policy and the direction of U.S. intelligence under the incoming administration.
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