Tulsi Gabbard's Views on Russia: A Controversial Stance

Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman, has drawn criticism for her views on Russia. Ivo Daalder, a former U. S. ambassador to NATO, called her a "dangerous" choice for director of national intelligence due to her supportive views on Russia. In a 2017 memo, Gabbard reportedly blamed U. S. and NATO hostility for Russia's annexation of Crimea. She also criticized sanctions against Russia, saying they aimed to control Russia's government. These views have caused concern among Democrats and intelligence officials, who worry that Gabbard might be repeating Russian propaganda.Some former staffers even claimed she regularly read articles from the Russian outlet RT. A former intelligence officer, Doug London, questioned whether Gabbard's views were influenced by Russian disinformation or her desire to please President Trump. The Trump team has defended Gabbard, saying her views are shaped by her military service. However, the State Department has warned that RT has moved beyond being just a media outlet and has cyber capabilities.