Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., is dealing with backlash on-line for claiming that Tulsi Gabbard, President-elect Trump’s choose for Director of Nationwide Intelligence (DNI), is “doubtless 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 report.
“She is taken into account to be primarily by most assessments, a Russian asset and could be essentially the most harmful,” Wasserman Schultz mentioned, earlier than being reduce off and requested, “Is that what you take into account her?”
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Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, left, is dealing with backlash on-line for claiming that Tulsi Gabbard, proper, President-elect Trump’s choose for Director of Nationwide Intelligence (DNI), is “doubtless a Russian asset.” (Steven Ferdman/Getty Pictures, left, and Jim WATSON / AFP, proper. )
“Sure. There is no query. I take into account her somebody who is probably going a Russian asset who could be because the DNI, chargeable for managing our complete intelligence neighborhood, maintain all of our most vital intelligence data and secrets and techniques, and primarily could be a direct line to our enemies,” Wasserman Schultz mentioned.
The feedback drew sharp criticism.
“Tulsi Gabbard resigned as DNC Vice Chair in 2016 as a result of Debbie Wasserman Schultz was rigging the election to make sure Hillary received — as Liz Warren, Donna Brazile and WL all confirmed,” journalist Glenn Greenwald wrote.
“Think about combating to your nation after which having pro-war cretins like this impugn your loyalties.”
Commentator @TexasLindsay_ invoked the debunked Russian file scandal, which was utilized by Democrats to accuse President-elect Trump of being a Russian asset.
“Debbie Wasserman Schulz was DNC Chair when Hillary Clinton ran for president—in the course of the time the DNC bought caught spying on Trump’s marketing campaign paying to manufacture the pretend Russian File to discredit Trump.”
“The truth that she’s now accusing Tulsi Gabbard of being a Russian asset is so outrageous, I can’t assist however snicker at how silly she thinks all of us are.”
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Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz has accused Tulsi Gabbard of being a “doubtless a Russian asset.” (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Pictures)
Ian Miles Cheong invoked a scandal involving Wasserman Schultz’s former IT aide Imran Awan who was indicted for federal financial institution fraud and conspiracy and was arrested attempting to depart the U.S. Wasserman Schultz was criticized over mishandling delicate data by defending him. Awan ultimately made a plea take care of the Justice Division.
“That is pure defamation and it shouldn’t go unanswered,” Cheong wrote.
Commentator Bo Snerdley additionally chimed in and mentioned he actually hopes Gabbard sues Wasserman Schultz “for slander and defamation of character.”
Throughout 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 struggle. Gabbard refused to name him a struggle felony 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 somebody who has met with struggle criminals, violated the Division of State’s steerage and secretly clandestinely went to Syria and met with Assad who gassed and attacked his personal folks with chemical weapons,” Wasserman Schultz mentioned.
Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii who bucked her celebration and switched to the Republican Social gathering, as soon as referred to as her former celebration as a bunch of warmongers.”
It’s not the primary time Democrats have accused Gabbard of being a Russian asset.
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In a 2019 interview, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton labeled her “favourite of the Russians” whereas citing obvious Russian media help for her.
Gabbard served within the U.S. Home of Representatives from early 2013 by means of 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 Social gathering.
President-elect Donald Trump shakes palms with former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who endorsed Trump, on the Nationwide Guard Affiliation of america’ 146th Basic Convention, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Picture/Paul Sancya)
“I have been a soldier for over 21 years, and at the moment function a Lieutenant Colonel within the Military Reserve,” she famous in a publish on Veterans Day this week.
In a press release on Wednesday, Trump mentioned that Gabbard “has fought for our Nation and the Freedoms of all People.”
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“As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad help in each Events – She is now a proud Republican!” Trump mentioned, per a press release by way of his transition staff.
“I do know Tulsi will carry the fearless spirit that has outlined her illustrious profession to our Intelligence Group, championing our Constitutional Rights, and securing Peace by means of Energy. Tulsi will make us all proud!”
The director of nationwide intelligence leads the U.S. intelligence neighborhood, 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.
