A Republican lawmaker mentioned the Senate Intelligence Committee has “a whole lot of questions” for Tulsi Gabbard of a go to to Syria the place he met President Bashar al-Assad.
Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma, who sits on the fee, mentioned he wished to know the “context” and “objective” of her assembly with the Syrian dictator in 2017 earlier than endorsing her as Donald Trump’s director of nationwide intelligence.
“We may have a whole lot of questions. He met with Bashar Assad, we want to know what the aim was and what the route was, as a member of Congress,” Lankford informed CNN’s Dana Bash on State of the Union.
“We want to have the chance to speak about previous feedback he has made and put them in full context.”
Lankford mentioned the committee will “get all of it out” about Gabbard, and referenced her being “outspoken” prior to now.
Gabbard has beforehand made statements and feedback in help of Russia and denied that the crimes have been dedicated by the Syrian regime. In 2017, as a member of Hawaii’s Democratic House, she flew to Syria for a gathering with Assad.
Tulsi Gabbard will face questions from the Senate throughout her 2017 assembly with the Syrian dictator (AFP through Getty Images)
“We will transfer ahead with the hearings. We’ll get every little thing out. We will collect info and data and get the entire story,” Lankford mentioned.
“He is somebody who has been very outspoken. He is clearly a former member of the navy. She’s a veteran too.”
Despite Lankford’s remarks, many different Republicans rushed to defend Gabbard after her nomination by Trump sparked renewed issues about her previous feedback and ties to international governments.
Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat and veteran of fight missions in Iraq, warned Sunday that Gabbard is “compromised” over her statements about Russia and the journey to Syria.
“The US intelligence neighborhood has recognized her as having troubling relationships with America’s enemies. And so my concern is that she didn’t cross a background verify,” Duckworth additionally mentioned State of the Union.
But Republican Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri mentioned it was an “insult” to say Gabbard was “compromised.”
“I believe it is actually attention-grabbing that anybody with a unique political view is now thought of a Russian asset. It’s completely ridiculous,” he informed NBC News’ Kristen Welker Meet the press.
U.S. Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma mentioned the Senate Intelligence Committee has “a whole lot of questions” about Trump’s intelligence choice (EPA)
“Tulsi Gabbard served in our navy. She served as a congresswoman from Hawaii, as a Democrat, I’d add, a part of this distinctive coalition that President Trump put collectively and received and bought that mandate. But I believe it is offensive. It’s insulting, frankly,” he added.
Gabbard, a veteran and former Democratic House member, has promoted conspiracy theories about U.S. involvement in Ukraine.
The former congresswoman from Hawaii left Congress to wage an unsuccessful presidential marketing campaign in 2020. She joined the Republican Party earlier this yr, endorsed Trump and joined his presidential transition crew.
Gabbard joined an Army reserve unit after serving 17 years within the Hawaii National Guard, and factors to her deployment expertise to clarify her skepticism of U.S. navy interventions.
Trump praised Gabbard for combating “for our nation and the freedoms of all Americans” when he selected her for the place.
“As a former candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, she has broad help in each events – she is now a proud Republican!” Trump mentioned. “I do know Tulsi will convey the fearless spirit that has outlined her distinguished profession to our intelligence neighborhood, defending our constitutional rights and making certain peace via power.”
