In 2022, Tulsi Gabbard, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to lead the U.S. intelligence services, endorsed Russia's main justification for invading Ukraine. Moscow claimed that Ukraine was operating U.S.-funded biolabs to create bioweapons similar to COVID-19, prompting Russian President Vladimir Putin to invade Ukraine to protect his country. However, these labs are part of an international effort to control outbreaks and prevent bioweapons.
Gabbard, a military veteran and former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, clarified that she wasn't accusing the U.S. or Ukraine of wrongdoing but was expressing concerns about safeguarding the labs. Her comments, seen as echoing Russian propaganda, have raised alarms among U.S. lawmakers from both parties.
Concerns have been raised about Gabbard's pro-Russian stance and her past interactions with leaders like Syria's Bashar Assad. Critics fear that her confirmation as Trump's director of national intelligence could benefit Russia, undermine U.S. national security, and strain intelligence ties with allies.
Gabbard's views on Russia and Syria have attracted attention in Moscow, where state-run media have praised her and jokingly referred to her as a Russian agent. Her stance is expected to be scrutinized during her Senate confirmation process.
America's allies are closely monitoring the nomination process, concerned about potential impacts on intelligence cooperation and sharing. Trump's incoming administration poses challenges for the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing coalition, comprising the U.S., the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, as it may lead to mistrust and strain partnerships.
Key European allies have expressed the need to develop a security strategy less reliant on the U.S. following Biden's debate performance and the subsequent nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.
