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Nikki Haley expresses concern over Tulsi Gabbard's appointment as US Intelligence Chief
Haley further highlighted Gabbard's past criticism of US sanctions on Iran and her opposition to designating the Iranian military as a terrorist organization.
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Nikki Haley speaking during the podcast / Image- Screengrab from YouTube
Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley has expressed her disapproval regarding the appointment of Tulsi Gabbard as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) under the second Trump administration.
Citing concerns over Gabbard's past remarks on foreign policy, Haley referred to Gabbard as a "Russian, Syrian, Iranian, Chinese sympathizer" and questioned her suitability for a position overseeing America's intelligence agencies.
Speaking on SiriusXM, Haley questioned whether the U.S. is "comfortable" with a DNI candidate who, she claimed, has supported authoritarian regimes and never retracted her controversial views. "She’s defended Russia, Syria, Iran, and China. She has not denounced any of these views. The DNI is not a place for someone with such biases," Haley said, adding that the role requires someone impartial who can objectively assess global threats.
Haley further highlighted Gabbard's past criticism of US sanctions on Iran and her opposition to designating the Iranian military as a terrorist organization.
"She opposed ending the Iran nuclear deal and sought to limit Trump's war powers against Iran. She even criticized the strike on Qasem Suleimani, a key figure in Iran's terror operations," Haley said, adding that such actions demonstrate a pattern of defending U.S. adversaries.
Haley also highlighted Gabbard's 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during the Syrian civil war. "While Assad was massacring his people, she met with him and questioned whether he was behind chemical attacks on children. Those were Russian propaganda talking points," Haley said.
Gabbard's nomination has sparked a broader debate about the politicization of intelligence agencies. Critics argue that her appointment could compromise the impartiality required for a role that oversees 18 intelligence agencies, including the CIA.
"Her appointment would be a threat to the security of the United States," said Tom Nichols, a professor at the US Naval War College. "A person with Gabbard’s views should not be anywhere near the crown jewels of American intelligence."
Matthew Burrows, a former CIA officer now with the Stimson Center, expressed concerns about potential bias in intelligence briefings under Gabbard's leadership. "She will have the power to influence the president's daily brief, potentially omitting analysis that doesn't align with Trump's policies," Burrows warned.
The role of the DNI, created in 2005, was designed to improve coordination among intelligence agencies after the failures leading to the September 11 attacks.
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