Nikki Haley delivered a scathing rebuke of Tulsi Gabbard, labeling the former congresswoman a “Russian sympathizer” and warning that she is unfit to hold a critical role in U.S. national security.
In a fiery monologue on her SiriusXM show Nikki Haley Live, the former U.N. Ambassador in Donald Trump’s first administration made it clear that Gabbard’s foreign policy views would be a serious threat to America’s interests.
Haley did not mince words, slamming Gabbard’s long history of defending hostile regimes, including Russia, Iran, Syria, and China. According to Haley, Gabbard’s positions would undermine U.S. efforts to counter global threats, putting America in danger.
“Tulsi Gabbard has consistently sided with America’s enemies,” Haley said. “She has defended Russia, Iran, Syria, and China—regimes that directly threaten our national security. This is someone who cannot be trusted to lead our intelligence agencies or protect the American people.”
Haley pointed to Gabbard’s unwavering support for Russia, especially in the wake of the Ukraine invasion. Gabbard, who has questioned the legitimacy of NATO’s role in global security, was criticized by Haley for echoing Kremlin propaganda. Gabbard has said that Russia’s security concerns over Ukraine’s NATO membership were valid, and after the invasion, she blamed NATO for provoking Russia—remarks that were widely adopted by Russian and Chinese state media.
“She literally blamed NATO for Russia’s aggression, parroting the Kremlin’s talking points,” Haley fired back. “Russia, China, and Iran used her interviews on their state-controlled media because her views align with their own. This is not just misguided—it’s dangerous.”
Haley also condemned Gabbard’s controversial trip to Syria in 2017, where she met with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Haley described the visit as a “disgusting photo op” with one of the world’s most brutal regimes. “She went to Syria to legitimize a murderous dictator and strengthen his narrative. This is not the behavior of someone who should be in charge of U.S. intelligence,” Haley said.
The former South Carolina governor’s outrage continued as she laid out Gabbard’s long history of opposing U.S. sanctions against Iran and rejecting measures that would hold the Iranian regime accountable. “She fought against efforts to designate the Iranian military as a terrorist group,” Haley noted. “These are the same people who chant ‘Death to America’ every day.”
Haley warned that Gabbard’s dangerous foreign policy views are not just theoretical.
“She has never taken back any of her positions. She hasn’t denounced any of these rogue regimes. If anything, she continues to defend them,” Haley said. “This is not someone who can be trusted with America’s national security.”
Watch the clip below:
Do you really know everything you need to know about Tulsi Gabbard? We break it down here. Watch now #NikkiHaleyLive on @SiriusXM @Spotify @ApplePodcasts #TulsiGabbard #NationalSecurity #Intelligence pic.twitter.com/Rh1O26emyH
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) November 20, 2024
Haley’s comments come at a time when Trump is assembling his team for a potential second term, with several controversial cabinet picks already raising alarms. Gabbard’s name has been floated for a key national security role, prompting deep concerns from both Republicans and Democrats. Critics argue that her affinity for hostile foreign powers makes her unfit to serve in a position that requires defending the U.S. from international threats.
The New York Post, a conservative publication, echoed Haley’s concerns, warning Trump that Gabbard’s selection would be a “disaster.” The editorial board criticized Gabbard and Trump’s attorney general pick, Matt Gaetz, as “chaos agents” who would derail Trump’s agenda and fail to advance American interests.
Haley’s warning could not be clearer: putting Gabbard in a position of power would be a catastrophic mistake for U.S. security.
