Nikki Haley Raises Concerns About Tulsi Gabbard’s Foreign Policy Approach

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Nikki Haley has raised critical concerns over Tulsi Gabbard’s proposed nomination as the Director of National Intelligence due to Gabbard’s purported foreign policy positions.

At a Glance

  • Nikki Haley criticized Tulsi Gabbard’s suitability for the DNI role on her SiriusXM radio show.
  • Haley accused Gabbard of having sympathetic views towards Russia, Syria, Iran, and China.
  • Haley also voiced disapproval over Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for a cabinet role.
  • Haley urged Republican senators to oppose Gabbard’s nomination.

Haley’s Concerns Over Foreign Policy

During her SiriusXM radio broadcast, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley criticized Tulsi Gabbard’s potential appointment as the Director of National Intelligence. Haley stated that Gabbard’s foreign policy actions indicate a problematic affiliation with countries like Russia, Syria, Iran, and China. She highlighted Gabbard’s public resistance to ending the Iran nuclear agreement and past engagement with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad as troubling signs.

Haley argued that such positions are inconsistent with what she believes are necessary qualifications for the DNI role. She pointed to Gabbard’s skepticism towards NATO’s stance on Russia’s actions in Ukraine and her opposition to the trade war with China initiated by former President Donald Trump. Haley viewed these stances as misalignments given the global security environment.

Urging Senate to Oppose the Nomination

Former Ambassador Haley’s appeal to Republican senators is founded on these serious foreign policy concerns. She passionately argued that the “Department of National Intelligence is not a place for a Russian, Iranian, Syrian, Chinese sympathizer.” This statement reflects her firm stance against Gabbard’s nomination, urging careful consideration of the nominee’s previous positions and alliances.

“She opposed ending the Iran nuclear deal. She opposed sanctions on Iran. She opposed designating the Iran military as terrorists who say death to America every single day. She said that Donald Trump turned the U.S. into Saudi Arabia’s prostitute. This is going to be the future head of our national intelligence … [DNI is] not a place for a Russian, Iranian, Syrian, Chinese sympathizer.” – Nikki Haley

The opposition from Haley is fueled by her experience and observations at the United Nations, particularly when discussing Assad and chemical weapons. These events left a lasting impression on her view of Gabbard’s foreign policy judgments and in her bid to ensure the security of American intelligence operations.

Other Cabinet Nominee Criticisms

Haley’s criticism did not solely focus on Gabbard. She also expressed her unease regarding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s appointment as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Haley described Kennedy as lacking expertise suitable for the position, given his career as an environmental lawyer and his lack of health-related experience.

“He has not educated, trained, or practiced in health at all. He has spent his entire career as a trial lawyer, an environmental lawyer, and a liberal democrat.” – Nikki Haley

Haley’s concerns aim to highlight the importance of having qualified individuals in influential cabinet positions. She suggested that should there be an interest in Kennedy’s views, a possible advisory role might suit his qualifications better than leading a major government department.

Sources

1. Nikki Haley blasts Gabbard and RFK Jr. as Cabinet choices

2. Nikki Haley blasts Gabbard as a Russian, Chinese and Iranian ‘sympathizer’

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