In a statement on ABC News’s “This Week,” Senator Eric Schmitt voiced strong defense of President-elect Donald Trump's choices for major intelligence positions.
The Washington Examiner reported that Senator Schmitt highlighted the necessity of the new nominees for reforms within the intelligence institutions.
President-elect Donald Trump recently announced his nominations of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence and Kash Patel as Director of the FBI. These choices have sparked debate among the public and officials alike.
Gabbard, previously known for her unexpected meeting with the deposed Syrian President Bashar Assad in 2017, faced criticism for her actions described as seeking insights from the Syrian people.
The nomination has generated controversy due to concerns about her foreign affairs engagements during her time in Congress.
Senator Eric Schmitt responded to these allegations by defending Gabbard's record and commitment to the United States. “I know Tulsi Gabbard, she’s a patriot,” Schmitt remarked, emphasizing her service to the nation and alignment with Trump’s vision.
Further detailing her qualifications, Schmitt stated, "She served our country honorably. She, I think, fits the reform agenda. President Trump ran on disrupting permanent Washington, and having people who are going to view things differently.”
He strongly refuted claims that Gabbard was a foreign asset, expressing anticipation for her to address these concerns during the Senate confirmation hearings.
The Senator underscored the need for reform in the intelligence agencies, recalling the handling of various sensitive issues by these institutions in recent history.
“The intelligence agencies in this country were part of the Hunter Biden laptop, suppressing that story. There’s a lot of reform, George, that needs to happen in those agencies," Schmitt explained.
Alongside Gabbard, Trump nominated Kash Patel for the Director of the FBI, raising questions about his intentions and the future operation of the FBI. Critics worry that Patel might leverage the FBI to pursue political adversaries.
Senator Schmitt dismissed these fears, instead praising Patel's qualifications and dismissing the existence of an "enemy’s list". He pointed to a history of perceived missteps by the FBI, including alleged involvement in "spying" on Trump during the 2016 election and interactions with Big Tech over the Hunter Biden laptop story.
"And let’s review the tape here: the FBI was involved in spying on President Trump in 2016. The FBI was involved in the Hunter Biden laptop cover-up, they pre-bunked that story with Big Tech. The FBI has investigated Catholics because they attend traditional Latin Mass, and the FBI has investigated parents who show up at school board meetings because under the auspices of the Patriot Act, that agency is in desperate need of reform. Kash Patel’s very qualified, and I think he’s going to get the support in the Senate,” Schmitt articulated.
Recent polling data by Fox News provides insight into the public's reaction to these nominations. The findings indicate a nation divided, with 35% supporting and 36% opposing Gabbard’s appointment, while Patel’s approval ratings are slightly lower.
The poll involving 1,015 respondents conducted from December 6-9 shows 34% in favor and 38% against Patel taking over the FBI.
These numbers suggest a broader skepticism and wariness among voters towards these potentially transformative appointments.
The appointments of Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel by President-elect Donald Trump have ignited a significant public and political debate.
While concerns over their past actions and their potential future influences linger, figures like Senator Eric Schmitt remain steadfast in their support, portraying the nominees as pivotal for essential reforms in American intelligence operations.