U.S. Next Director of National Intelligence Nominee Controversially Defends Russia in the Past

Former Representative Tulsi Gabbard, nominated by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump as the next director of national intelligence, has been controversial in the past in favor of Russia.

NBC News says Gabbard has faced criticism for justifying the Russian invasion by saying it should keep Ukraine a neutral country that does not join NATO after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

In addition, as Russia claims, there are 25 U.S.-funded biological laboratories in Ukraine, pointing out that they are spreading Russian propaganda.

When Gabbard ran for the Democratic presidential nomination during the 2020 presidential election, it was also said that Gabbard portrayed him favorably as Russian state media undermined Biden and other primary candidates.

The Washington Post and others said Gabbard also reached out to the dictatorship that killed tens of thousands of civilians, pointing out that he visited civil war-torn Syria in 2017 and met with President al-Assad.

The newspaper noted that it is not unusual for lawmakers to meet with foreign leaders, but it is rare to meet leaders who are accused of committing atrocities against their citizens or who are not friendly to the United States.