Former national security adviser John Bolton says Russia and China will be “hugely relieved” if former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii is confirmed as President-elect Trump's director of national intelligence. he said.
“She doesn't have the ability to do that,” Bolton said on CNN on Sunday. “Her judgment is non-existent. The idea that she will somehow be in charge of this important mission should give great relief to our adversaries in Moscow and Beijing.”
President Trump announced last week that he would choose Gabbard, who has been accused of promoting Russia talking points, to be director of national intelligence.
If confirmed by the Senate, Gabbard would oversee an agency that helps coordinate all of the nation's intelligence agencies and be responsible for compiling the President's Daily Report, which informs the commander-in-chief's national security decisions.
Lawmakers and national security experts have expressed shock and concern over Trump's nomination. Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party in 2022 and became a Republican this year, has expressed her beliefs against U.S. intelligence agencies, particularly regarding the Russia-Ukraine war.
She shared material suggesting that the United States was involved in developing biological weapons in Ukraine, a Russian narrative.
Bolton has previously argued that an FBI investigation into Gabbard should take place before she goes to the Senate for confirmation.
He said Sunday that it would be a “very serious mistake” if she is confirmed by the Senate.
“She has no experience working with intelligence agencies,” he said, adding: “She has no idea what the job is like.”
Bolton said Trump's election victory is “no excuse” for the Senate to “abandon its constitutional function.”
“There will be enough Republicans — maybe not a majority, but enough — to block the nomination,” he predicted, adding, “If not, we're in serious trouble.” It will fall,” he said.
