Florida Democratic representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz on Friday claimed that Tulsi Gabbard, US President-elect Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence, is “likely a Russian asset,” sparking widespread criticism.
Wasserman made the statement during an MSNBC interview.
“She is considered, by most assessments, essentially a Russian asset and would be the most dangerous,” Schultz said. The host then interrupted and asked, “Is that what you consider her?”
Wasserman stood firm in her claim, responding, “Yes. There’s no question. I consider her someone who is likely a Russian asset who, as the DNI, would be responsible for managing our entire intelligence community, holding all of our most significant intelligence information and secrets, and essentially would be a direct line to our enemies.”
She also pointed to Gabbard’s 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who has been accused of using chemical weapons against his own people.
“Tulsi Gabbard is someone who has met with war criminals, violated the Department of State’s guidance, and secretly went to Syria to meet with Assad, who gassed and attacked his own people with chemical weapons,” Schultz said.
Wasserman’s statement has drawn widespread criticism on social media. One user on X commented that every Democrat in Congress is a “Ukrainian asset.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk also criticised Wasserman’s claim, saying, “Debbie thinks that talking fast is the same as thinking intelligently; she is actually not smart.”
Another user suggested that Gabbard should “sue Debbie Wasserman for defamation,” referencing Nicholas Sandmann’s lawsuit against CNN.
One user called Wasserman “dishonest,” commenting, “She fully choked on the words as they were coming out lol… she knew she was being completely dishonest.”
Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii and 2020 presidential candidate, switched to the Republican party in 2021. She has been a vocal critic of the Democratic party, which she once called a “bunch of warmongers.”
This is not the first time accusations of ties to Russia have been leveled against Gabbard. In 2019, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton suggested Gabbard was favored by Russia, citing apparent support from Russian media.
Gabbard has a long history of military service, having served in Iraq and currently holding the rank of lieutenant colonel in the US Army Reserves.
Trump praised her military background and bipartisan appeal when announcing her nomination. “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!”