House Democrat: Gabbard 'not a serious pick' for 'extraordinarily important position'

Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.) said in an interview Saturday that former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii), who has been chosen by President-elect Trump to serve as director of national intelligence, is “not a serious pick” for an “extraordinarily important position.”

“She’s not a serious pick for this extraordinarily important position of national intelligence, overseeing 18 different national intelligence agencies, knowing every single one of the most important secrets that our country has to be able to hold closely,” Dean told MSNBC’s Alex Witt on her show. “It’s a very unserious pick and actually a very dangerous one.”

Trump announced Wednesday that he has selected Gabbard to be director of national intelligence in his next administration.

“For over two decades, Tulsi has fought for our Country and the Freedoms of all Americans. As a former Candidate for the Democrat Presidential Nomination, she has broad support in both Parties – She is now a proud Republican! I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community, championing our Constitutional Rights, and securing Peace through Strength. Tulsi will make us all proud!” Trump said in a statement.

Gabbard has in the past shared content implying that the U.S. has previously had involvement in Ukraine making biological weapons, perpetuating a narrative from the Russians. She also met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who has been accused of the use of chemical weapons on Syrian civilians, seven years ago.

“She will also need to be confirmed by the Senate. Does she have the credentials for such an important position?” Witt asked Dean about Gabbard.

“Well, clearly not,” Dean responded. “Again, with all of these appointments, or at least most, we’re finding that they are not serious picks. This is not a serious person, this is somebody — I served alongside her in the first Congress that I was here, three Congresses ago, when she was on [the House Financial Services Committee] alongside me, literally in my row.”

“She was seldom there, because she was moving on to either visit … mouthing of the talking points of the — Vladimir Putin, or visiting Syrian President [Bashar al-Assad,] but she also just wasn’t there,” Dean added.

The Hill has reached out to the Trump transition team for comment.