Florida Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz faces online backlash after claiming that President-elect Trump's nominee for director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, is “likely a Russian operative.” I am doing it.
Wasserman Schultz made the claim Friday on MSNBC without providing any evidence, sparking a heated response from commentators who focused on the Florida congressman's own record.
“By most estimates, she is basically a Russian agent and is considered the most dangerous person,” Wasserman Schultz said. “Is that what she thinks?” I was interrupted and asked a question.
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Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (left) claimed on the internet that Tulsi Gabbard (right), whom President-elect Trump nominated as Director of National Intelligence (DNI), is “likely a Russian asset.” is facing a backlash. (Steven Ferdman/Getty Images, left; Jim WATSON/AFP, right.)
“Yes, there is no question. She is probably a Russian dignitary, and as DNI she is responsible for the management of our entire intelligence community, holds all of our country's most important intelligence information and secrets, and is essentially “We believe that he is a direct descendant of our enemy,” Wasserman Schultz said.
This comment provoked sharp criticism.
“Tulsi Gabbard resigned as DNC vice chair in 2016 because, as Liz Warren, Donna Brazile, and WL have shown, Debbie Wasserman Schultz wanted Hillary to win. Because they rigged the election to ensure that,” journalist Glenn Greenwald wrote.
“Imagine fighting for your country and having your loyalty criticized by these pro-war advocates.”
Commentator @TexasLindsay_ brought up the debunked Russian dossier scandal that Democrats used to accuse President-elect Trump of being a Russian asset.
“Debbie Wasserman Schultz was the Democratic National Committee Chair when Hillary Clinton ran for president. was caught spying on the Trump campaign.
“The fact that she's accusing Tulsi Gabbard of being a Russian dignitary is so outrageous that you can't help but laugh at how stupid she thinks we all are.”
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Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz accused Tulsi Gabbard of being “likely a Russian operative.” (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Ian Miles Chong brought up a scandal involving Imran Awan, Wasserman Schultz's former IT aide, who was indicted on federal bank fraud and conspiracy charges and arrested while attempting to leave the United States. was criticized for mishandling confidential information. Mr. Awan ultimately reached a plea deal with the Justice Department.
“This is pure defamation and the response should not be ignored,” Chong wrote.
Commentator Beau Snerdley agreed, saying he sincerely hopes Gabbard sue Wasserman Schultz for “defamation and defamation.”
During Friday's interview, Wasserman Schultz attacked Gabbard for secretly meeting in 2017 with Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian leader accused of using chemical weapons against his own people during the civil war. During the 2020 presidential campaign, Gabbard refused to call her a war criminal and expressed skepticism that the Syrian government had carried out a chemical weapons attack that killed dozens of Syrians earlier that year. said.
“Tulsi Gabbard met with war criminals, violated State Department guidance, and secretly went to Syria to meet with Assad, who gassed and attacked his own people with chemical weapons,” Wasserman Schultz said. It's a person,” he said.
Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii who switched to the Republican Party in dissent, once called her former party a group of warmongers. ”
This is not the first time Democrats have accused Gabbard of being a Russian asset.
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In a 2019 interview, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called her the “favorite of the Russians,” apparently referring to the Russian media's support for her.
Gabbard served as a Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives from early 2013 to early 2021. She ran for president in 2019 but ultimately dropped out in 2020 in favor of Joe Biden.
The Republican is an Iraq veteran and Army reservist. She was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve three years ago.
The former lawmaker has announced that he will support Trump in the 2024 election and join the Republican Party.
President-elect Donald Trump shakes hands with Trump supporter and former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard during the 146th General Assembly of the United States National Guard Association in Detroit, Monday, August 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancia)
“I have been a soldier for over 21 years and currently serve as a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve,” she said in a Veterans Day post this week.
Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Gabbard “has fought for our country and the freedoms of all Americans.”
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“As a former Democratic presidential nominee, she enjoys broad support from both parties. She is now a proud Republican!” Trump said in a statement through his transition team.
“I know that Tulsi will bring to our intelligence community the fearlessness that has defined her distinguished career, defending constitutional rights and ensuring peace through force. I’m proud of you all!”
The Director of National Intelligence leads the U.S. intelligence community, overseeing national intelligence programs and advising the president on national security issues. The current Director of National Intelligence is Avril Haines.
If confirmed, Gabbard will advise Trump, the National Security Council, and the Homeland Security Council on national security issues.
FOX News' Andrea Margolis contributed to this report.
