Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., is dealing with backlash on-line for claiming that Tulsi Gabbard, President-elect Trump’s decide for Director of Nationwide Intelligence (DNI), is “probably a Russian asset.”
Wasserman Schultz made the claims, with out offering any proof, on MSNBC Friday, sparking livid responses with commentators honing in on the Florida lawmaker’s personal file.
“She is taken into account to be basically by most assessments, a Russian asset and can be essentially the most harmful,” Wasserman Schultz stated, earlier than being lower off and requested, “Is that what you think about her?”
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Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, left, is dealing with backlash on-line for claiming that Tulsi Gabbard, proper, President-elect Trump’s decide for Director of Nationwide Intelligence (DNI), is “probably a Russian asset.” (Steven Ferdman/Getty Photographs, left, and Jim WATSON / AFP, proper. )
“Sure. There isn’t any query. I think about her somebody who is probably going a Russian asset who can be because the DNI, answerable for managing our total intelligence group, maintain all of our most vital intelligence info and secrets and techniques, and basically can be a direct line to our enemies,” Wasserman Schultz stated.
The feedback drew sharp criticism.
“Tulsi Gabbard resigned as DNC Vice Chair in 2016 as a result of Debbie Wasserman Schultz was rigging the election to make sure Hillary received — as Liz Warren, Donna Brazile and WL all confirmed,” journalist Glenn Greenwald wrote.
“Think about combating on your nation after which having pro-war cretins like this impugn your loyalties.”
Commentator @TexasLindsay_ invoked the debunked Russian file scandal, which was utilized by Democrats to accuse President-elect Trump of being a Russian asset.
“Debbie Wasserman Schulz was DNC Chair when Hillary Clinton ran for president—in the course of the time the DNC obtained caught spying on Trump’s marketing campaign paying to manufacture the faux Russian File to discredit Trump.”
“The truth that she’s now accusing Tulsi Gabbard of being a Russian asset is so outrageous, I can’t assist however chortle at how silly she thinks all of us are.”
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Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz has accused Tulsi Gabbard of being a “probably a Russian asset.” (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Photographs)
Ian Miles Cheong cited a scandal involving Wasserman Schultz’s former IT aide Imran Awan who was indicted for federal financial institution fraud and conspiracy and was arrested making an attempt to go away the U.S. Wasserman Schultz was criticized over mishandling delicate info by defending him. Awan finally made a plea take care of the Justice Division.
“That is pure defamation and it mustn’t go unanswered,” Cheong wrote.
Commentator Bo Snerdley additionally chimed in and stated he really hopes Gabbard sues Wasserman Schultz “for slander and defamation of character.”
In the course of the Friday interview, Wasserman Schultz attacked Gabbard for secretly assembly with Syrian chief Bashar al-Assad, in 2017 who was accused of utilizing chemical weapons on his personal residents in the course of the nation’s civil warfare. Gabbard refused to name him a warfare felony throughout her 2020 presidential marketing campaign and stated she was skeptical that his authorities perpetrated a chemical weapons assault earlier that 12 months that killed dozens of Syrians.
“Tulsi Gabbard is somebody who has met with warfare criminals, violated the Division of State’s steering and secretly clandestinely went to Syria and met with Assad who gassed and attacked his personal folks with chemical weapons,” Wasserman Schultz stated.
Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii who bucked her social gathering and switched to the Republican Celebration, as soon as referred to as her former social gathering as a “bunch of warmongers.”
It’s not the primary time Democrats have accused Gabbard of being a Russian asset.
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In a 2019 interview, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton labeled her “favourite of the Russians” whereas citing obvious Russian media help for her.
Gabbard served within the U.S. Home of Representatives from early 2013 by way of early 2021 as a Democrat. She mounted a presidential bid in 2019 however in the end dropped out in 2020 and backed Joe Biden.
The Republican can be a veteran who served in Iraq, in addition to an Military reservist. She was promoted to lieutenant colonel within the U.S. Military Reserves three years in the past.
The previous lawmaker supported Trump in the course of the 2024 election and introduced that she was becoming a member of the Republican Celebration.
President-elect Donald Trump shakes palms with former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who endorsed Trump, on the Nationwide Guard Affiliation of america’ 146th Normal Convention, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Picture/Paul Sancya)
“I have been a soldier for over 21 years, and at present function a Lieutenant Colonel within the Military Reserve,” she famous in a submit on Veterans Day this week.
In an announcement on Wednesday, Trump stated that Gabbard “has fought for our Nation and the Freedoms of all Individuals.”
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“As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad help in each Events – She is now a proud Republican!” Trump stated, per an announcement through his transition staff.
“I do know Tulsi will convey the fearless spirit that has outlined her illustrious profession to our Intelligence Neighborhood, championing our Constitutional Rights, and securing Peace by way of Energy. Tulsi will make us all proud!”
The director of nationwide intelligence leads the U.S. intelligence group, which incorporates overseeing the Nationwide Intelligence Program and advising the president on safety issues. The present nationwide intelligence director is Avril Haines.
As soon as confirmed to the place, Gabbard will advise Trump, the Nationwide Safety Council and the Homeland Safety Council on nationwide safety issues.
Fox Information’ Andrea Margolis contributed to this report.