Nearly 100 former national security officials signed a letter criticizing President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to nominate former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence. They called for closed-door Senate hearings to review any government information about her. The officials raised concerns about Gabbard’s past actions, including aligning herself with Russian and Syrian officials after a trip to Syria. They also suggested that Gabbard, a former Democratic House member from Hawaii, lacks the experience required for the position. Some of the officials who signed the letter include Wendy Sherman, Ian Kelly, and Eric Green, all of whom have held high-level national security positions.
Gabbard has faced criticism in the past for sympathetic comments about U.S. adversaries, such as Russia and Syria. She has also been scrutinized for casting doubt on U.S. intelligence agencies’ conclusions about a chemical weapons attack in Syria. The letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and incoming Majority Leader John Thune called for a thorough evaluation of Gabbard’s qualifications and potential impact on intelligence-sharing with U.S. allies.
Gabbard’s nomination is not the only one facing opposition. Trump’s pick for the Defense Department, Pete Hegseth, has faced allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking. Trump’s selection for the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been criticized for his vaccine skepticism. Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who withdrew his name from consideration for attorney general, faced allegations of sexual misconduct. These nominees also require Senate confirmation.
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