Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump’s pick to head U.S. intelligence departments, became the subject of jokes and speculation as violence in Syria escalated over the weekend. Trump’s declaration that the U.S. “should have nothing to do with” fighting in Syria triggered outrage among experts, especially since American troops are still stationed there.
On Saturday evening, reports suggested that Syrian rebels were on the verge of toppling President Bashar Assad’s regime. Gabbard, who has long been accused of aligning with foreign enemies, including the Syrian leader, found herself in the spotlight as political observers drew connections between her and Assad.
Critics were quick to highlight her past statements and positions, which have sparked controversy. Former Republican lawmaker and Trump critic Adam Kinzinger mocked Gabbard, asking, “Wonder if [Gabbard] will offer Assad safe harbor at her house?” He added, “They are great friends.”
In another post, Kinzinger pointed out Gabbard’s previous defense of Assad, saying, “Remember, Tulsi Gabbard claimed Assad didn’t use chemical weapons, it was ‘the rebels.’ Her confirmation hearing will be brutal if she even makes it there.”
Pekka Kallioniemi, a social media and disinformation expert, shared a video on X of a woman destroying a room in anger, with the caption, “Tulsi Gabbard after the Spirit of Aloha didn’t save Assad’s regime.” Charlotte Clymer, an Army veteran and writer for the Human Rights Campaign, also weighed in on the situation, saying, “Assad is going down. Tough day for Tulsi Gabbard.”
Author and scholar Steven Beschloss echoed similar concerns, asking, “Any doubt Tulsi Gabbard is fearing if Assad falls?” Former Trump official John Bolton added fuel to the fire, implying that Syrian records could potentially show Gabbard’s involvement with Assad’s regime, according to media reports.
As tensions in Syria continue to rise, Gabbard’s controversial past and her potential role in U.S. intelligence have become focal points of political debate.