Nikki Haley slams Tulsi Gabbard’s DNI nomination, questioning her allegiances and qualifications for the critical intelligence role.
At a Glance
- Nikki Haley criticizes Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as Director of National Intelligence on SiriusXM
- Haley accuses Gabbard of sympathizing with Russia, Iran, Syria, and China
- Former UN Ambassador urges Republican senators to reject Gabbard’s appointment
- Haley also questions Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s qualifications for Health and Human Services Secretary
Haley’s Scathing Critique of Gabbard
Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley unleashed a blistering attack on President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence. During her SiriusXM radio show, Haley painted Gabbard as a sympathizer to nations often at odds with U.S. interests, including Russia, Iran, Syria, and China. Haley’s criticism stems from Gabbard’s past foreign policy decisions and statements, which she claims make the former Democratic representative unfit for such a crucial intelligence role.
Haley, who served as Trump’s UN Ambassador, pointed to several of Gabbard’s controversial stances. She highlighted Gabbard’s opposition to ending the Iran nuclear deal, her resistance to sanctions on Iran, and her refusal to designate the Iranian military as terrorists. Haley also took issue with Gabbard’s 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, which occurred amid allegations of Assad’s use of chemical weapons against his own people.
“She opposed ending the Iran nuclear deal. She opposed sanctions on Iran. She opposed designating the Iran military as terrorists who say death to America every single day. She said that Donald Trump turned the U.S. into Saudi Arabia’s prostitute. This is going to be the future head of our national intelligence … [DNI is] not a place for a Russian, Iranian, Syrian, Chinese sympathizer.” – Source
Gabbard’s Controversial Past
Gabbard, who recently switched to the Republican Party after endorsing Trump’s campaign, has faced accusations of promoting Russian propaganda and supporting Assad. Haley recounted her own experience at the United Nations during Assad’s alleged chemical attacks, expressing disgust at Gabbard’s skepticism about Assad’s involvement. The former UN Ambassador accused Gabbard of parroting Russian talking points on the matter.
“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.” – Source
Criticism of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Nomination
Haley’s criticism wasn’t limited to Gabbard. She also took aim at Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as Health and Human Services Secretary. Haley questioned Kennedy’s qualifications for the role, citing his lack of experience in health-related fields. She emphasized that Kennedy’s background as a trial lawyer, environmental lawyer, and liberal Democrat did not align with the requirements of the position.
“He has not educated, trained, or practiced in health at all. He has spent his entire career as a trial lawyer, an environmental lawyer, and a liberal democrat.” – Source
While acknowledging Kennedy’s popularity among some voters for his stance on food additives and vaccines, Haley expressed concern about the potential consequences of his appointment. She suggested that Kennedy could serve as a health adviser instead, focusing on raising awareness about food additives rather than leading a crucial government agency.
Haley’s Stance on Trump Administration
As a former member of Trump’s administration, Haley’s criticism of these nominations is particularly noteworthy. She has been a consistent critic of Trump during his campaign, and her recent comments further underscore the divide within the Republican Party. Haley made it clear that she has no interest in joining Trump’s administration, stating that she had already expressed her disinterest.
As the controversy surrounding these nominations continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Republican senators will respond to Haley’s urgent call to oppose Gabbard’s appointment. The debate over these nominations highlights the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party and the challenges facing Trump’s transition team as they seek to fill key positions in the incoming administration.
Sources:
- Nikki Haley blasts Gabbard as a Russian, Chinese and Iranian ‘sympathizer’
- Nikki Haley blasts Gabbard and RFK Jr. as Cabinet choices
