Tulsi Gabbard is a Reckless Risk to National Security
She's far too compromised to lead America's intel community
The Director of National Intelligence (DNI) plays a critical role in protecting America. This leader oversees our intelligence agencies, ensuring they work together to keep us safe from threats at home and abroad. The DNI must be someone who prioritizes national security over personal agendas; loyalty to country over politics; and truth over misinformation. Tulsi Gabbard does not meet that standard.
Let’s not mince words: Tulsi Gabbard’s rhetoric and actions make her look less like a patriotic leader and more like a walking, talking Kremlin puppet. Whether it’s cozying up to Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad (as he was mass-killing his own citizens), parroting anti-American propaganda about “regime change wars,” or being championed by Russian state media, Gabbard’s behavior screams “asset in action.” She undermines U.S. intelligence, sows division within our democracy, and conveniently aligns with narratives that benefit Vladimir Putin. Spy or not, her consistent willingness to play into Russia’s hands makes her a danger to America’s national security.
5 Reasons to Oppose Tulsi Gabbard for DNI
1. Pro-Russian Sympathies: Gabbard has a rich history of echoing Kremlin-aligned rhetoric. In one glaring example she criticized U.S. support for Ukraine and suggested that NATO's expansion provoked Russia's invasion. Gabbard’s statements were consistent with the message coming straight out of Russian propaganda.
2. Controversial Foreign Contacts: Gabbard met with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in 2017, a move that drew bipartisan criticism and caused deep worry among national security officials. Assad was widely regarded as a war criminal, and Gabbard's refusal to unequivocally condemn him raised questions about her judgment.
3. Lack of Intelligence Experience: Gabbard would be the least experienced DNI since the position's creation. Gabbard simply lacks any background in intelligence work. A letter from 100 former intelligence officials argues that the role of DNI requires expertise in evaluating uncertain and complex intelligence, which she has not demonstrated.
4. Allies Won’t Trust Her with Their Intel: Gabbard's past statements and positions could alienate U.S. allies, who may hesitate to share sensitive intelligence under her leadership. This undermines global security partnerships critical to U.S. interests and empowers America’s adversaries.
5. Credibility and Conspiracy: Gabbard's history of promoting controversial opinions and conspiracy theories damage the DNI office’s credibility within our own intelligence community. Critics also fear she would pursue political narratives over valid intelligence assessments, jeopardizing the credibility of U.S. intelligence operations on a global scale.
The DNI must be someone who inspires trust—both within the intelligence community and among the American people. Intelligence officers need to know their leader will protect their work and shield them from political interference. Gabbard’s history of inflammatory rhetoric and divisive politics suggests she would bring chaos, not cohesion, to this vital role.
Moreover, Gabbard’s embrace of conspiracy theories and misinformation undermines the very foundation of effective intelligence work: facts. A leader who traffics in half-truths and disinformation cannot be trusted to handle classified information or make decisions that impact America’s security.
The role of DNI is too important to leave in the hands of someone with such a questionable commitment to America’s principles. Our intelligence agencies deserve a leader who will defend the truth, protect our democracy, and stand strong against foreign adversaries — not one who cozies up to them.
America’s safety and security depend on leaders who are steadfast, principled, and trustworthy. Tulsi Gabbard has shown she is none of these.
We must demand better—for our intelligence community, for our security, and for our future.