Markwayne Mullin Defends Gabbard Against Duckworth’s ‘Dangerous’ Claims of Being ‘Compromised’

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) criticized Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) on Sunday after she suggested that former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is “compromised” and unfit to serve as Donald Trump’s Director of National Intelligence. Duckworth’s remarks made earlier on CNN’s State of the Union, raised concerns over Gabbard’s foreign ties and ability to pass a background check.

During her interview, Duckworth didn’t mince words. “Well, I think she’s compromised,” the Illinois Democrat stated. “I think by going to Syria and basically backing a brutal dictator there — I mean, Russian-controlled media called her a Russian asset. So I do think that we have a real deep concern whether or not she’s a compromised person.

Frankly, the U.S. intelligence community has identified her as having troubling relationships with America’s foes. And so my worry is that she couldn’t pass a background check.” Gabbard’s nomination for the sensitive intelligence role has sparked bipartisan criticism. Even Republicans, including Nikki Haley, have questioned her judgment, citing past controversies surrounding her foreign policy positions and connections.

After a commercial break, Mullin responded to Duckworth’s accusations, expressing his disapproval. “I got a lot of respect for Tammy, and I’ve known her for years — we served together in the House — but for her to use ridiculous and outright dangerous words like that is wrong,” Mullin said.

Mullin defended Gabbard by highlighting her military service. “You got to keep in mind, Tulsi Gabbard is still a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army. She commands the reserve unit here in Oklahoma and Missouri. If she was compromised, if she wasn’t able to pass a background check, if she wasn’t able to do her job, she still wouldn’t be in the Army.”

He concluded with a sharp rebuke of Duckworth’s comments. “Tammy is absolutely dead wrong on this and she should retract those words. That’s the most dangerous thing she could say,” Mullin warned. As Gabbard’s nomination continues to draw scrutiny, her controversial history and polarizing positions remain focal points in the debate.

Mullin’s strong defense underscores the divide between critics questioning Gabbard’s fitness for the role and supporters emphasizing her military credentials and loyalty to the country. Whether Duckworth’s concerns will resonate more widely or Mullin’s defense will hold sway remains to be seen.