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| United by Intelligence: Global collaboration in action, safeguarding the world through trust and shared expertise. |
President-elect Donald Trump’s pick of
Tulsi Gabbard as U.S. intelligence chief has thrown the intelligence community
into a tailspin. Seasoned operatives and analysts are sounding the alarm over
what they see as a dangerous mix of inexperience and controversial foreign
policy views. Critics argue that putting Gabbard—a former congresswoman with
limited intelligence chops and troubling stances on Russia and Syria—in charge
of America’s sprawling intelligence apparatus prioritizes loyalty over
qualifications. And that’s where the real danger lies—it puts all Americans in
harm's way.
The role of Director of National
Intelligence (DNI) isn’t just about sitting at a desk and collecting reports;
it’s about making razor-sharp decisions that keep our country safe. It demands
someone with deep experience—someone who knows how to navigate global threats
and build alliances that are the backbone of intelligence sharing. Gabbard’s
lack of expertise risks unraveling years of hard-won trust with allies. Word
is, even some of our closest partners, like the “Five Eyes” alliance, are
second-guessing how much they can share if they fear leaks or political
manipulation.
This isn’t just about bruised egos or
interagency politics. When allied nations hesitate to share critical intel, it
creates blind spots. Blind spots that can leave the U.S. vulnerable to attacks
we might have otherwise stopped. That’s the cost of putting someone unqualified
in such a pivotal position—Americans end up paying the price.
Back in 2010, a chilling plot to bomb
cargo planes bound for the United States was foiled, thanks to intelligence
sharing at its finest. Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, one of the world’s
most dangerous terrorist groups, had hidden bombs inside printer cartridges,
rigged to detonate mid-flight. The goal? Take down planes over American skies,
cause mass casualties, and spread fear on a global scale.
What stopped this nightmare from unfolding
wasn’t luck—it was cooperation. Saudi Arabian intelligence agents, who’d
infiltrated AQAP, got wind of the plan and passed the intel to the U.S. and
British authorities. That critical tip set off a flurry of action. Within
hours, counterterrorism teams in the UK and Dubai intercepted the deadly
packages just before they could be loaded onto flights headed for America. The
bombs were cleverly constructed with nearly undetectable explosives, but thanks
to the tip, they were defused before anyone got hurt.
This moment is a stark reminder of why
seasoned professionals and strong alliances matter. Intelligence sharing saved
lives—plain and simple. Without the trust and cooperation between nations,
those bombs could have slipped through the cracks. Hundreds of people might
have died, and the ripple effects on aviation and global security would’ve been
devastating. It’s proof that when experienced leaders and allies work together,
they can outsmart even the most sophisticated threats, keeping Americans safe from
harm.
Adding fuel to the fire are Gabbard’s
public statements, which some say echo Russian propaganda. Whether it’s
downplaying NATO’s role or seeming sympathetic to Moscow’s narrative on
Ukraine, her views could embolden adversaries and erode confidence in U.S.
leadership on the global stage. Compare that to seasoned professionals like
Michael Morell or Avril Haines—people who have been in the trenches of
counterterrorism and geopolitical chess matches—and the contrast is stark.
These folks know the stakes and how to stay ahead of the game, keeping politics
out of national security decisions.
Sure, some like Senator Marco Rubio have
praised Gabbard’s nomination as “revolutionary,” but even within Trump’s own
party, there’s skepticism. The Senate confirmation process will be tough, and
for good reason. Her controversial track record and the sheer weight of the job
make her an unlikely fit. In the meantime, foreign allies and adversaries alike
are watching closely, and they’re asking the same question: Is America’s
intelligence community about to be compromised?
So, who’d be better suited for the job?
It’s a no-brainer. Former Acting CIA Director Michael Morell, for one, has
decades of counterterrorism expertise. Avril Haines, a steady hand who’s
already proven her mettle as DNI, would be another solid pick. And let’s not
forget General David Petraeus, whose military and intelligence acumen could
tackle the complex web of global threats we’re facing. These are the kind of
people who bring discipline, credibility, and a focus on keeping Americans
safe—not serving political agendas.
At its core, the intelligence community
depends on leadership with the experience to make life-or-death calls under
immense pressure. Appointing someone like Gabbard isn’t just a gamble—it’s a
risk that could leave Americans exposed at a time when global threats are more
complex and immediate than ever. The stakes are too high to roll the dice on
loyalty when what we need is seasoned, proven expertise.
Robert
Morton is the author of the new Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster
short-story novelettes, delivering gripping, one-sitting spy thrillers. Dive
into the first one, The
Hunt For A Russian Spy, and experience the high-stakes world of
espionage like never before! 🕵️♂️📖
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