Former National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard recently revealed that she faced harassment from the post office and federal law enforcement after being placed on a transportation security watchlist.
“It was definitely… politically motivated,” Gabbard, who previously served as a Democrat in Hawaii and as vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee, stated in a recent episode of Devine’s podcast. “There’s really no other explanation.”
She mentioned that during her conversations with TSA agents at various airports, both she and her husband underwent extensive searches. They were both placed on this national watchlist.
“You’re still vice-colonel in the US Army Reserve and a former Congress member. I guess that makes sense,” she remarked.
Gabbard and her husband, Abraham Williams, were flagged under a discreet program called Quiet Skies, which involved Federal Air Marshals monitoring individuals not already on watchlists.
Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem announced the termination of the Quiet Skies program in June, citing its failure to prevent any terrorist attacks.
This situation arose after Gabbard attended a July 2024 event at the Vatican organized by European businessmen who were on the FBI watchlist. There is uncertainty regarding the businessmen’s interest in federal authorities.
She explained to Devine that the rigorous searches of her luggage and clothing sometimes lasted “30 to 40 minutes.” Gabbard recalled, “They would search through my bags after everything was taken out, feeling every seam of my clothes.” While she appreciated the diligence of security, she feels the politicization of intelligence is evident here.
Gabbard described how Air Marshals were instructed to monitor her during flights, including noting her phone activity and conversations. She said she had no idea how many Marshals were assigned to follow her or what reports were generated about her interactions.
“The real issue here is how they watch me criticize Hillary Clinton’s and Kamala Harris’ foreign policies on television,” Gabbard added. She further expressed concern about how government agencies may be weaponized against individuals.
At 44, Gabbard also reflected on her departure from the Democratic Party.
She joined the Democrats in her early 20s, drawn by the values promoted by figures like Dr. Martin Luther King and President John F. Kennedy. “Now, we see individuals like [Zohran] Mamdani, a self-proclaimed socialist, being hailed as the future of the Party,” she noted.
“If only the current Democrats would engage in some serious self-reflection about their place in the world we live in,” she concluded.
