Ex-GOP congressman explains why Trump’s Gabbard pick is 'perplexing and dangerous'

20 November 2024

One of the most controversial picks for President-elect Donald Trump's incoming second administration is former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, an ex-Democrat turned MAGA Republican and Trump's choice for director of national intelligence.

Many of Gabbard's critics find her views on foreign policy especially troubling, accusing her of being an apologist for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the invasion of Ukraine. Gabbard has been so outspoken in her defense of Putin that pro-Kremlin state media have dubbed her "Russia's girlfriend."

One of those critics is former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Illinois), a conservative Republican and Trump critic who supported Vice President Kamala Harris in the U.S. presidential race and was among the speakers at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

In an article published by the conservative website The Bulwark on November 19, the ex-GOP congressman recalls serving with Gabbard in the U.S. House of Representatives and lays out a range of reasons why he believes it would be "dangerous" for her to serve as national intelligence director.

"Trump's choice of Gabbard for this role is as perplexing as it is dangerous," Kinzinger argues. "By selecting someone with no significant intelligence experience and a history of erratic behavior, he is undermining the credibility of one of the most important positions in our national security apparatus — one whose ability not only to uncover and protect secrets, but to tell hard truths to people in power is a key asymmetric advantage the United States enjoys over its adversaries."

Kinzinger continues, "Worse still, Gabbard's history of promoting authoritarian narratives raises legitimate concerns about her ability to prioritize America's interests over those of foreign adversaries. Why did Trump choose Gabbard? The answer seems obvious. Her willingness to parrot Trump's talking points and support his agenda makes her an ideal flunky."

Kinzinger was one of the two Republicans who former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) chose to serve on the January 6 Select Committee in 2022; the other was then-Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming), a right-wing Trump foe who — despite her arch-conservative views — aggressively campaigned for Harris this year.

"This isn't personal," Kinzinger emphasizes. "I didn't work particularly closely with Gabbard, who was a junior Democrat when I was a junior Republican. We didn't cross paths enough to develop any personal enmity. This is about qualifications and character."

Kinzinger continues, "The DNI is entrusted with coordinating the vast intelligence apparatus of the United States, overseeing 18 agencies, including the CIA, NSA, and FBI, tasked with protecting our country from threats foreign and domestic. This role requires someone who embodies stability, impartiality, and a commitment to truth. Based on Gabbard's record and demeanor, she fails on all counts…. The Senate still has the opportunity to block Gabbard's nomination. Some current senators served with Gabbard, but for those who didn't, take it from me: We're all much safer if you vote no."

Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger's full article for The Bulwark is available at this link.

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