Nikki Haley launches scathing attack on Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as Director of National Intelligence, citing concerns over foreign policy allegiances.
At a Glance
- Nikki Haley criticizes Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination for Director of National Intelligence
- Haley accuses Gabbard of sympathizing with Russia, China, Iran, and Syria
- Gabbard’s past meetings with Syrian President Assad and stance on Iran nuclear deal under scrutiny
- Haley urges Republican senators to oppose Gabbard’s nomination
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as Health Secretary also faces criticism from Haley
Haley’s Critique of Gabbard’s Foreign Policy
Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley has publicly criticized President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Tulsi Gabbard for the role of Director of National Intelligence. On her SiriusXM radio show, Haley expressed deep concerns about Gabbard’s foreign policy views, which she believes demonstrate a pattern of allegiance to nations often at odds with U.S. interests, including Russia, China, and Iran.
Haley, who served as Trump’s U.N. Ambassador and was once a contender in the Republican presidential race, highlighted specific issues with Gabbard’s past positions. She pointed out Gabbard’s resistance to ending the Iran nuclear deal, her opposition to sanctions on Iran, and her refusal to designate the Iranian military as terrorists.
Controversial Meeting with Assad
One of the most contentious points in Haley’s criticism was Gabbard’s 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. This meeting occurred amid allegations of Assad’s use of chemical weapons against his own people, a grave violation of international law. Haley, who dealt with the aftermath of these attacks during her time at the U.N., found Gabbard’s engagement with Assad particularly troubling.
“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.”
Call for Opposition to Gabbard’s Nomination
Given these concerns, Haley has urged Republican senators to oppose Gabbard’s nomination for the critical role of Director of National Intelligence. She argues that Gabbard’s past actions and statements make her unsuitable for a position that requires unwavering loyalty to U.S. interests and a clear-eyed view of potential threats from foreign powers.
—>> Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley delivered a blistering critique of Tulsi Gabbard, the former congresswoman chosen by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as director of national intelligence, calling Gabbard “a sympathizer” who is not qualified because of close ties to…
— Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) November 20, 2024
Criticism of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Nomination
In addition to her objections to Gabbard’s nomination, Haley also voiced concerns about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services. She questioned Kennedy’s qualifications for the role, citing his lack of formal education or experience in healthcare.
Haley suggested that while Kennedy’s interest in food additives and vaccine safety could be valuable, a role as a health advisor might be more appropriate than leading the entire department.
As the confirmation process for these nominations unfolds, Haley’s criticisms are likely to fuel further debate about the qualifications and suitability of Trump’s cabinet choices. The coming weeks will reveal whether her concerns gain traction among her fellow Republicans in the Senate.
Sources:
Nikki Haley blasts Gabbard as a Russian, Chinese and Iranian ‘sympathizer’
Nikki Haley blasts Gabbard and RFK Jr. as Cabinet choices
Nikki Haley blasts Gabbard as a Russian, Chinese and Iranian ‘sympathizer’
