Ex-Trump Adviser Says Putin is Celebrating Tulci Gabbard’s Confirmation

The Kremlin may be raising a glass in celebration after Tulsi Gabbard’s controversial confirmation as Director of National Intelligence. The former Hawaii congresswoman, once a Democrat but now a vocal Republican ally, secured Senate approval on Wednesday despite persistent concerns over her past positions on Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin.

“I think Putin couldn’t be happier,” former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton told CNN’s The Source. “They’re drinking vodka straight out of the bottle in the Kremlin tonight.”

A History of Pro-Russian Stances

Gabbard’s past statements and actions have repeatedly aligned with Russian interests, raising alarms among intelligence officials and lawmakers. Former staffers who worked under her in Congress revealed to ABC News last year that she regularly consumed and shared articles from RT, the Kremlin-controlled media outlet. This reportedly continued even after she was explicitly warned about the outlet’s credibility.

Her foreign policy positions have also drawn scrutiny. In a campaign memo, Gabbard lamented America’s so-called “hostility” toward Putin. She has vocally opposed sanctions on Russia, arguing they hurt American businesses more than Moscow. Adding to the controversy, she secretly met with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in 2017, a leader heavily backed by Russia and accused of war crimes, including chemical attacks on civilians.

Intelligence Community on Edge

The appointment has rattled national security officials and U.S. allies alike. Bolton, a longtime foreign policy hawk, did not mince words: “I think many allies are now going to think twice before they share intelligence with us. It was one of [Trump’s] worst nominations, beyond a doubt.”

While Bolton’s own credibility has been questioned—former State Department colleagues have accused him of distorting intelligence to fit his hardline views—his concerns about Gabbard’s confirmation echo broader bipartisan unease. Former CIA officials and intelligence veterans warn that her past remarks suggest a worldview at odds with the rigorous, nonpartisan approach required for the nation’s top intelligence role.

A Risky Choice Amid Global Tensions

Gabbard’s confirmation comes at a time of escalating global tensions. The U.S. has increased military aid to Ukraine in its war against Russia, while NATO allies continue to monitor potential Russian cyber threats and election interference. The selection of a top intelligence chief with a history of questioning mainstream U.S. foreign policy narratives has left many wondering how this will impact America’s strategic posture.

“Putin thrives on division and uncertainty in the West,” a senior intelligence official told The Washington Post on condition of anonymity. “This appointment just handed him another advantage.”

For now, Gabbard takes the helm of the U.S. intelligence community amid a firestorm of skepticism. Whether she can overcome doubts and reassure America’s allies remains to be seen.