Haley Criticizes Tulsi Gabbard and RFK Jr. for Key Trump Administration Roles

Former United Nations Ambassador and 2024 GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley has voiced strong criticism of President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to nominate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard for prominent positions in his incoming administration. Both picks have sparked controversy due to their backgrounds and qualifications.

Haley Criticizes Kennedy’s Lack of Healthcare Experience

Kennedy, a longtime critic of vaccines and former Democrat, has been tapped to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Haley questioned his qualifications and history, emphasizing his lack of expertise in healthcare.

“Who is RFK Jr.? He’s not a health expert,” Haley said during her SiriusXM program Nikki Haley Live. “He’s raised questions about what’s in our food, and I agree with him there, but healthcare is not his background. He’s not educated, trained, or experienced in this field.” Haley repeatedly labeled Kennedy as a “liberal Democrat” during her critique.

Kennedy has faced widespread scrutiny for his history of questioning vaccine safety, which many public health experts fear could undermine decades of progress in improving vaccination rates. While Kennedy has recently denied being anti-vaccine, his past statements have fueled concerns over his potential leadership at HHS.

Gabbard’s Foreign Policy Stance Under Fire

Haley also took aim at Trump’s choice of Tulsi Gabbard, a former Hawaii congresswoman, as his nominee for director of national intelligence (DNI). Haley condemned Gabbard’s 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during the height of Syria’s civil war, calling it a “photo-op with a brutal dictator” and accusing her of echoing “Russian propaganda.”

“This role requires an honest broker without extreme policy biases,” Haley said. “Gabbard’s actions in Syria were disgusting. She met with Assad while he was massacring his people, and her statements afterward were straight out of Russian talking points.”

Gabbard, who has limited experience in intelligence, defended her 2017 visit as a “fact-finding mission” but later described Assad as a “brutal dictator.” She has also opposed U.S. involvement in Syria’s civil war, asserting that Assad does not pose a direct threat to the United States. Additionally, Gabbard has been critical of U.S. support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, a stance that has drawn bipartisan criticism.

Senate Confirmation Process Awaits

Both nominations will face Senate confirmation, where they are expected to encounter significant scrutiny. Trump’s cabinet selections have already faced turbulence; former congressman Matt Gaetz, initially slated for attorney general, withdrew from consideration amid allegations of sexual misconduct and illegal drug use, which are under investigation by the House Ethics Committee.

Haley, who challenged Trump during the GOP primaries before endorsing him, emphasized the need for qualified and credible candidates in key roles. “These appointments are about serving the American people, not about rewarding controversial figures with questionable records,” she concluded.

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