Tulsi Gabbard, who was selected by Donald Trump to lead the intelligence community, found herself briefly on a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) watchlist earlier this year. This list, known as 'Quiet Skies,' triggers additional security screening for individuals based on their overseas travel patterns and foreign connections.
According to three sources familiar with the matter, Gabbard's inclusion in the program was a result of a government algorithm flagging her activities. However, she was promptly removed from the list after publicly claiming she had been added to a 'secret terror watchlist.'
Gabbard alleged that her criticism of then-presidential candidate Kamala Harris led to her placement on the watchlist. However, two sources have refuted this claim, stating that her criticism of Harris was not a factor in the decision.
In a post on social media, Gabbard expressed her dismay at being labeled a domestic terror threat, attributing it to the current administration's desire to maintain power. She described the incident as a betrayal by the TSA.
The situation has drawn attention from security officials due to Gabbard's unconventional relationships abroad. In 2017, during her tenure as a member of Congress, she engaged in unofficial diplomatic efforts by traveling to Syria to meet with President Bashar al-Assad.
While Gabbard's brief inclusion on the Quiet Skies watchlist has sparked controversy, she was swiftly removed from the program, highlighting the complexities of security protocols and the challenges of balancing national security with individual rights.
