Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., is dealing with backlash on-line for claiming that Tulsi Gabbard, President-elect Trump’s decide for Director of Nationwide Intelligence (DNI), is “likely a Russian asset.”
Wasserman Schultz made the claims, with out offering any proof, on MSNBC Friday, sparking livid responses with commentators honing in on the Florida lawmaker’s personal document.
“She is considered to be essentially by most assessments, a Russian asset and would be the most dangerous,” Wasserman Schultz mentioned, earlier than being lower off and requested, “Is that what you consider her?”
“Yes. There’s no question. I consider her someone who is likely a Russian asset who would be as the DNI, responsible for managing our entire intelligence community, hold all of our most significant intelligence information and secrets, and essentially would be a direct line to our enemies,” Wasserman Schultz mentioned.
The feedback drew sharp criticism.
“Tulsi Gabbard resigned as DNC Vice Chair in 2016 because Debbie Wasserman Schultz was rigging the election to ensure Hillary won — as Liz Warren, Donna Brazile and WL all showed,” journalist Glenn Greenwald wrote.
“Imagine fighting for your country and then having pro-war cretins like this impugn your loyalties.”
Commentator @TexasLindsay_ invoked the debunked Russian file scandal, which was used by Democrats to accuse President-elect Trump of being a Russian asset.
“Debbie Wasserman Schulz was DNC Chair when Hillary Clinton ran for president—during the time the DNC got caught spying on Trump’s campaign paying to fabricate the fake Russian Dossier to discredit Trump.”
“The fact that she’s now accusing Tulsi Gabbard of being a Russian asset is so outrageous, I can’t help but laugh at how stupid she thinks we all are.”
Ian Miles Cheong cited a scandal involving Wasserman Schultz’s former IT aide Imran Awan who was indicted for federal financial institution fraud and conspiracy and was arrested making an attempt to go away the U.S. Wasserman Schultz was criticized over mishandling delicate info by defending him. Awan ultimately made a plea cope with the Justice Division.
“This is pure defamation and it should not go unanswered,” Cheong wrote.
Commentator Bo Snerdley additionally chimed in and mentioned he really hopes Gabbard sues Wasserman Schultz “for slander and defamation of character.”
Through the Friday interview, Wasserman Schultz attacked Gabbard for secretly assembly with Syrian chief Bashar al-Assad, in 2017 who was accused of utilizing chemical weapons on his personal residents in the course of the nation’s civil conflict.
Gabbard refused to name him a conflict prison throughout her 2020 presidential marketing campaign and mentioned she was skeptical that his authorities perpetrated a chemical weapons assault earlier that yr that killed dozens of Syrians.
“Tulsi Gabbard is someone who has met with war criminals, violated the Department of State’s guidance and secretly clandestinely went to Syria and met with Assad who gassed and attacked his own people with chemical weapons,” Wasserman Schultz mentioned.
Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii who bucked her get together and switched to the Republican Get together, as soon as referred to as her former get together as a “bunch of warmongers.”
It’s not the primary time Democrats have accused Gabbard of being a Russian asset.
In a 2019 interview, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton labeled her “favorite of the Russians” whereas citing obvious Russian media assist for her.
Gabbard served within the U.S. Home of Representatives from early 2013 by early 2021 as a Democrat.
She mounted a presidential bid in 2019 however finally dropped out in 2020 and backed Joe Biden.
The Republican can be a veteran who served in Iraq, in addition to an Military reservist.
She was promoted to lieutenant colonel within the U.S. Military Reserves three years in the past.
The previous lawmaker supported Trump in the course of the 2024 election and introduced that she was becoming a member of the Republican Get together.
“I’ve been a soldier for over 21 years, and currently serve as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve,” she famous in a publish on Veterans Day this week.
In an announcement on Wednesday, Trump mentioned that Gabbard “has fought for our Country and the Freedoms of all Americans.”
“As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties – She is now a proud Republican!” Trump mentioned, per an announcement by way of his transition staff.
“I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community, championing our Constitutional Rights, and securing Peace through Strength. Tulsi will make us all proud!”
The director of nationwide intelligence leads the U.S. intelligence group, which incorporates overseeing the Nationwide Intelligence Program and advising the president on safety issues.
The present nationwide intelligence director is Avril Haines.
As soon as confirmed to the place, Gabbard will advise Trump, the Nationwide Safety Council and the Homeland Safety Council on nationwide safety issues.
Fox Information’ Andrea Margolis contributed to this report.
