Nikki Haley warns that Tulsi Gabbard’s potential appointment as Director of National Intelligence could compromise America’s national security.
At a Glance
- Nikki Haley criticizes Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination for Director of National Intelligence
- Haley claims Gabbard is sympathetic to Russia, Iran, Syria, and China
- Gabbard’s meeting with Syrian President Assad and stance on Iran nuclear deal highlighted as concerns
- Haley urges Republican senators to oppose Gabbard’s nomination
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s potential nomination for Health and Human Services Secretary also criticized
Haley Sounds Alarm on Gabbard’s Nomination
Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley has taken to the airwaves to voice her strong opposition to Tulsi Gabbard’s potential nomination as Director of National Intelligence. On her SiriusXM radio show, Haley didn’t mince words, painting Gabbard as a sympathizer to nations often at odds with U.S. interests. The nomination comes after Gabbard’s endorsement of Donald Trump and her switch to the Republican Party, a move that has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum.
Haley’s criticism centers on Gabbard’s foreign policy positions, which she argues are fundamentally at odds with the responsibilities of the DNI role. “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,” Haley stated, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
—>> 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
Concerns Over National Security
The former U.N. Ambassador didn’t hold back in expressing her concerns about the potential impact on national security. Haley emphatically declared, “This is going to be the future head of our national intelligence … [DNI is] not a place for a Russian, Iranian, Syrian, Chinese sympathizer.” Her words underscore the critical nature of the DNI position in safeguarding America’s interests and the potential risks of appointing someone with Gabbard’s controversial foreign policy stances.
Haley’s criticism extends beyond Gabbard’s stance on Iran. She also condemned Gabbard’s 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, which took place amid allegations of Assad’s use of chemical weapons against his own people. This meeting, according to Haley, raises serious questions about Gabbard’s judgment and her ability to protect American interests in a high-level intelligence position.
Call to Action for Republican Senators
In light of these concerns, Haley has issued a direct appeal to Republican senators, urging them to oppose Gabbard’s nomination. The former U.N. Ambassador’s call to action highlights the gravity with which she views this potential appointment and its implications for national security. By making this public plea, Haley is leveraging her influence within the party to rally opposition against a nomination she sees as deeply problematic.
Haley’s criticism wasn’t limited to Gabbard. She also voiced opposition to the potential nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services Secretary. Haley questioned Kennedy’s qualifications, stating, “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.” This dual critique underscores Haley’s concerns about the direction of key appointments in the incoming administration.
As this story develops, it’s clear that Haley’s outspoken opposition to these potential nominations will continue to fuel debate within the Republican Party and beyond. The coming weeks will likely see increased scrutiny of both Gabbard’s and Kennedy’s backgrounds as the confirmation process unfolds.
