Schmitt says it's a 'slur' to call Gabbard a 'Russian asset'

Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) said Sunday that it’s a “slur” to call former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii) a “Russian asset.”

“I think it's — it's really interesting that anybody that has a different political view now is being cast as a Russian asset. It's totally ridiculous,” Schmitt told NBC News’s Kristen Welker on “Meet the Press.”

“Tulsi Gabbard has served in our military. She served as a congresswoman from Hawaii, as a Democrat, I might add, part of this unique coalition that President Trump has put together and won and got that mandate. But I think it's insulting. It's a slur, quite frankly,” he added.

President-elect Trump announced earlier this month that he selected Gabbard to be director of national intelligence in his next administration.

“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 at the time.

Gabbard has in the past shared content implying that the U.S. was involved in making biological weapons in Ukraine, perpetuating a Russian narrative. She also met with Syrian leader Bashar Assad, who has been accused of using chemical weapons on Syrian civilians, seven years ago.

In his appearance on “Meet the Press,” Schmitt said of Gabbard that “there's no evidence that she's [an] asset of another country.”

“She served this country honorably, and by the way, she cares deeply about our Constitution and civil liberties and making sure people aren't being targeted by these intelligence agencies,” he added.