Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) ignited a storm of controversy after declaring that Tulsi Gabbard, President-elect Trump’s pick for Director of National Intelligence (DNI), is “likely a Russian asset” on MSNBC this past Friday. Wasserman Schultz’s bold accusation, devoid of any concrete evidence, has provoked a fierce backlash from all corners, with critics from across the political spectrum pointing to her own checkered history as a Democratic insider and questioning the motives behind her inflammatory claims.

The backlash was swift and sharp. Journalist Glenn Greenwald led the charge, reminding the public that Gabbard had resigned as Vice Chair of the DNC in 2016 in protest of Wasserman Schultz’s allegedly biased handling of the Democratic primaries, where the scales were tipped in favor of Hillary Clinton—a manipulation confirmed by figures like Elizabeth Warren and former DNC Chair Donna Brazile. Greenwald summarized what many were thinking, saying, “Imagine fighting for your country and then having pro-war cretins like this impugn your loyalties.”

Another commentator, TexasLindsay_, noted the irony of Wasserman Schultz’s accusations given her involvement during the now-debunked “Russian dossier” debacle, which Democrats used as a tool to accuse Trump of being a Russian asset. In her pointed rebuke, TexasLindsay_ highlighted the absurdity of Wasserman Schultz painting Gabbard, a military veteran with decades of service, as a traitor. “The fact that she’s now accusing Tulsi Gabbard of being a Russian asset is so outrageous, I can’t help but laugh at how stupid she thinks we all are,” she remarked.

Others pointed to Wasserman Schultz’s own past mishandling of sensitive information. Ian Miles Cheong brought up her connection to her former IT aide Imran Awan, who faced federal charges for bank fraud and conspiracy before attempting to flee the country. Awan’s arrest and subsequent plea deal raised significant concerns, yet Wasserman Schultz defended him despite the obvious risks—a glaring inconsistency given her sudden “concerns” over national security with Gabbard’s nomination.

Longtime conservative commentator Bo Snerdley urged Gabbard to consider suing Wasserman Schultz for “slander and defamation of character,” a sentiment shared by many who viewed Wasserman Schultz’s comments as reckless, if not defamatory.

Wasserman Schultz doubled down during her MSNBC interview, citing Gabbard’s 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad—a visit that Gabbard undertook as part of her effort to investigate firsthand the civil war’s impact. Wasserman Schultz accused Gabbard of “violating the Department of State’s guidance” by meeting with Assad, whom the U.S. government accuses of war crimes. Gabbard’s refusal to label Assad a war criminal during her 2020 presidential campaign is a point of contention among her critics, though Gabbard has maintained she is skeptical of unverified claims.

Gabbard, who switched to the Republican Party after years as a Democrat, has long voiced strong anti-war and pro-liberty sentiments that have alienated her from the Democratic establishment. Her outspoken critique of her former party as “a bunch of warmongers” and her decision to endorse Trump in 2024 marked a clear departure from mainstream Democratic thought.

This isn’t the first time Gabbard has been accused of foreign sympathies by high-profile Democrats. In 2019, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton dubbed her “the favorite of the Russians,” citing no hard evidence but stoking similar claims of foreign alignment. Gabbard’s military record, however, speaks to her dedication to the U.S.—as a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserves, she served in Iraq and has spent over two decades in uniform defending the country.

President-elect Trump responded to the attacks on his nominee by lauding Gabbard’s commitment to American values and her military service. In a Veterans Day statement, he praised her “fearless spirit” and assured the public that she would bring her dedication to liberty and security to the DNI role. “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’s statement read.