WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump’s nominee to become Director of National Intelligence, is coming under new questioning about her past relationship with Syria, following the regime’s sudden collapse. A Democrat-turned-Republican who serves as a lieutenant colonel in the Army National Reserve, Gabbard has been criticized in the past for meeting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2017 at the peak of Syria’s civil war.
Gabbard has always defended the visit, saying that dialogue with adversaries is important to diplomacy, even with leaders like Assad, who has been accused of war crimes. “We must be willing to talk with everyone to find solutions,” Gabbard said recently, emphasizing her support for Trump’s “America First” foreign policy. She has also highlighted her military experience in the Middle East, arguing for a more restrained U.S. military presence abroad, which she believes aligns with Trump’s approach to national security.
However, Gabbard’s nomination has raised red flags on Capitol Hill. Critics, including a bipartisan group of nearly 100 former U.S. diplomats and intelligence officials, are calling for closed-door hearings to assess her qualifications. The group expressed concerns over Gabbard’s foreign policy views, particularly seeming to align with narratives supported by Russia, which throughout the Syrian conflict was Assad’s strongest supporter.
The fall of Assad’s government, which was reportedly attacked by Islamist rebels in a surprise assault, has heightened the controversy surrounding Gabbard’s nomination. Assad reportedly escaped to Moscow after the attack, further fueling concerns that Gabbard’s past interactions with the Syrian leader may complicate her ability to lead the U.S. intelligence community.
Gabbard’s appointment comes at a time that is also witnessing controversial appointees by Trump, namely Pete Hegseth in the position of Secretary of Defense. Both nominees face criticism over Trump’s suggestions of shifting foreign policy strategy, including reduced support toward NATO and Ukraine. Politically motivated or not, Trump’s transition team insists, opposition continues to mushroom in Congress.
Gabbard has emphasized her dedication to protecting the interests of the United States, saying: “As someone who’s served in combat zones, I know firsthand the necessity of strong national security. But I also know the cost of war and the need for a more pragmatic approach to foreign intervention.”
She spoke to Diya TV earlier this summer to discuss the criticism she has received.
Confirmation hearings are soon to be scheduled, and Gabbard’s previous actions and remarks will be at the top of lawmakers’ minds when considering whether she is fit to take on the high-level intelligence position.
