Donald Trump’s very worst

Please click here to donate whatever you can to our fight against Trump.

Tulsi Gabbard is one of Trump’s nominees who might not make the cut. Denver Riggleman, former Republican rep, spoke out recently about Gabbard. Riggleman handled investigations for the House Select Committee. He calls some of the Republicans who are coming to power “dangerous,” and according to Raw Story, with respect to Trump’s retribution list, he said: “Bring it.”

Alex Witt (Alex Witt Reports) told Riggleman about her view of Tulsi Gabbard: “In meetings, the former congressman reportedly couldn’t clearly articulate the director’s role and was confused about a key national security surveillance power,” which led her to ask Riggleman whether Republicans might defy pressure from Trump. Riggleman responded: “Well, they should defy pressure from Trump, because I’m telling you right now that Tulsi Gabbard is completely unfit to be in any position in the United States government at that level.” He mentioned her meeting with Assad (which bothers many) and “she didn’t even really know what FISA did.” Riggleman continued: “I mean, this is somebody who’s wholly unqualified.” Riggleman believes that Trump should withdraw her from consideration, likely before they both get embarrassed.

One of the most important Republicans who has not spoken on Tulsi Gabbard is Mitch McConnell. Speculation is running rampant that McConnell does not and will not support Gabbard’s nomination. If McConnell withholds support, others may well follow him. According to Axios, Gabbard’s team isn’t counting on McConnell’s vote and believe that if he gives a “no” vote, they can still secure confirmation. McConnell hasn’t been too keen on supporting any of Trump’s nominees, but this one seems to be worrying them. After all, he’s only one vote, but if Democrats all vote “no,” and a few Republicans join, it’s over for Gabbard. According to National Review, some Democrats may break with their own leadership to support Gabbard. Why? While that question wasn’t answered, they do quote Chuck Schumer who said he can “keep his caucus in line” and that Gabbard is the candidate they are most likely to derail.

Last week, while speaking on the Senate floor, McConnell said that he will support any nominees “to senior national security roles whose record and experience will make them immediate assets, not liabilities, in the pursuit of peace through strength.” Manu Raju of CNN asked about Gabbard, and McConnell responded that he was “not ready to announce whether he can back her.” Well, if he’s looking for assets, not liabilities, he may as well nix Gabbard. As outlined above, she does not understand some of the basic concepts, and her loyalties are questionable at best. If Gabbard makes it past the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, she may receive the appointment, but that’s not guaranteed. Susan Collins and Todd Young are both considered “swing” votes and aren’t guaranteed to support Gabbard. Even if she doesn’t have the votes, Axios wrote that John Thune could still bring her nomination to the floor, but her chances will not be great at that point. Democrats are determined to derail Gabbard, RFK Jr. and Kash Patel. They are the worst three. Let’s hope they’re successful.

This is the fight of our lives. Donald Trump and his unelected henchmen are actively trying to destroy our government, our democracy, and our way of life. We only have one choice, and that's to fight back as loudly and aggressively as possible.
To that end, Palmer Report is expanding. We're bulking up our editorial and research staff and leaving no stone unturned on the editorial front and activism front. I'm asking you to help me build Palmer Report into what it needs to be. Please click here to donate whatever you can to this effort. Our future and our way of life depend on it.