Additional Coverage:
Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz has sparked controversy by claiming that Tulsi Gabbard, President-elect Trump’s pick for Director of National Intelligence, is “likely a Russian asset.”
Wasserman Schultz made the accusation on MSNBC without providing any evidence. She also criticized Gabbard for meeting with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad in 2017.
The comments have drawn sharp criticism from those who point out that Wasserman Schultz has been criticized for her own mishandling of sensitive information, including defending her former IT aide who was indicted for bank fraud.
Hillary Clinton previously labeled Gabbard “favorite of the Russians,” citing apparent Russian media support for her. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman and Iraq veteran, has since switched to the Republican Party and endorsed Trump in 2024.
Trump praised Gabbard’s military service and support for his presidency, saying she will bring “the fearless spirit” to the intelligence community. The Director of National Intelligence oversees the US intelligence community and advises the president on security matters.