In a move that has sparked controversy, former President Donald Trump has proposed former Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard for the position of Director of National Intelligence.
This decision has been met with vehement opposition from liberal quarters, including figures such as Senator Tammy Duckworth, Representative Abigail Spanberger, Representative Jason Crow, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and former National Security Adviser John Bolton. They have all leveled accusations at Gabbard, labeling her a "Russian asset."
According to RedState, the backlash against Gabbard's nomination was met with a robust response from over 250 veterans who issued a letter on Monday expressing their unwavering support for the former Democrat. Gabbard, who distanced herself from the Democratic party in 2022 due to dissatisfaction with their strategies, later joined the Republican party in October of the same year.
The veterans' letter extolled Gabbard's service to the nation, describing her as "fearless and principled." The letter, titled "American Veterans for Tulsi Gabbard," was published on Monday and obtained by Fox News Digital. It read, "President Donald Trumps selection of Tulsi Gabbard reflects a profound recognition of her steadfast dedication to our nation and her unwavering commitment to safeguarding the American people."
The letter further stated, "While most Americans know Tulsi as a fearless and principled Congresswoman who stood up to entrenched political systems, we know her as a fellow veteranone whose worldview was forged through the crucible of serving in combat zones and a lifelong devotion to service."
Among the signatories of the letter were several notable figures, including retired General Michael Flynn, former acting Secretary of Defense Chris Miller, Arizona Representative Eli Crane, Florida Representative Brian Mast, and political commentator Jack Posobiec.
The letter also highlighted Gabbard's military service, which began in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. It stated, "Tulsi answered the call of duty, enlisted in the Army, and stepped away from her position as a Hawaii State Representative when she volunteered to deploy to Iraq with her unit. Instead of using her political status to avoid deployment, Tulsi volunteered to serve in a medical unit in Iraq, directly facing the harsh realities, costs, and traumas of war."
The veterans' letter also underscored Gabbard's 22-year commitment to standing "shoulder-to-shoulder with her fellow servicemembers," which continued during her tenure in the House of Representatives. Gabbard, who was elected to the House in 2021, did not seek reelection in 2020, choosing instead to run for president as a Democrat. She has served as a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserves since 2021, following a 17-year stint in the Hawaii Army National Guard.
As Gabbard prepares to face the Senate Intelligence Committee and GOP leadership on Capitol Hill, the support from these veterans serves as a testament to her dedication and service to the nation. It remains to be seen how this endorsement will influence the final decision on her nomination.
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