Tulsi Gabbard's controversial meeting with Assad raises eyebrows
- Adam Kinzinger made a joke suggesting Tulsi Gabbard could harbor Bashar al-Assad after his regime was toppled.
- Kinzinger's remarks occurred as Gabbard was facing confirmation hearings for her nomination as director of national intelligence.
- Gabbard has previously defended Assad and stated that he is not an enemy of the United States.
In the aftermath of the toppling of Bashar al-Assad's regime, Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican congressman, made headlines with a quip about Tulsi Gabbard. He suggested that the Democratic congresswoman, who has been a controversial figure due to her past interactions with Assad, could offer the ousted dictator safe harbor in her home. This commentary came shortly before Gabbard faced intense scrutiny during her nomination for Trump's director of national intelligence, sparking discussions on her prior meeting with Assad during a visit to Syria in 2017. Kinzinger's remarks sparked debates about Gabbard's potential position and her views surrounding overseas conflicts, particularly in Syria where she has said that she does not see Assad as an enemy to the United States. As Gabbard sought confirmation support on Capitol Hill, Senate Intelligence Committee members expressed their need to understand her past interactions with Assad, emphasizing the context of her previous comments regarding the Syrian regime, which she has often defended against allegations of war crimes. The scrutiny surrounding Gabbard's nomination has intensified, particularly as her political allies defend her against rising criticisms. Critics within the Republican party and national security circles suggested that her views align too closely with those of Assad, raising alarms about her fitness for a critical intelligence role. Discussions initiated by members of the Senate Intelligence Committee highlighted a need for a thorough evaluation of her past decisions and statements about Syria, underscoring that her meeting with Assad and her positions on international relations could influence her ability to serve effectively in Trump's administration. Meanwhile, Gabbard's allies point out her military background and career advancements, including her recent promotion to lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve in 2021, as evidence of her capabilities and commitment to the nation. Trump's team echoed support for her, asserting Gabbard stands in agreement with the administration's policies on avoiding prolonged military conflicts and prioritizing America's interests abroad.