Intelligence Nominee Tulsi Gabbard Was Briefly On TSA’s Watchlist

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – Tulsi Gabbard, former congresswoman and Donald Trump’s pick to lead the intelligence community, was briefly added to a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) list known as “Quiet Skies,” which triggers additional security checks before domestic flights, according to sources familiar with the matter. The inclusion occurred earlier this year after her overseas travel patterns and foreign connections triggered a government algorithm, three individuals told CNN. Gabbard was promptly removed from the list after claiming she was placed on a “secret terror watchlist,” a statement that garnered attention.

A federal official explained to CNN that there are specific criteria for adding or removing individuals from the Quiet Skies program, and noted that public statements, like Gabbard’s, are not a factor in these decisions. Gabbard had suggested that her addition to the list was retaliation for criticizing then-presidential candidate Kamala Harris, but sources denied any connection between her remarks and her inclusion on the list.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gabbard said, “The TSA placed me on the Quiet Skies domestic terror watchlist in what I can only describe as the ultimate betrayal. The Harris-Biden regime has now labeled me a domestic terror threat. Why? They see me as a threat to their power.”

The situation has drawn scrutiny, particularly regarding Gabbard’s past overseas dealings. As a member of Congress, she controversially traveled to Syria in 2017 to meet with President Bashar al-Assad, bypassing official diplomatic channels. While the reasons for her placement on the Quiet Skies list may be innocuous, U.S. officials told CNN that it is highly unusual for a top nominee, especially for the role of Director of National Intelligence, to be placed on any kind of government watchlist.

If Gabbard had not been removed from the list, her foreign travel and connections would likely have been scrutinized during the background check process for her nomination. However, Trump has signaled that he may bypass traditional background checks for his top nominees, raising concerns about whether Gabbard will be thoroughly vetted by national security officials.

The Quiet Skies program analyzes travel data, foreign connections, and other government-held information. If an individual is flagged, they undergo additional security screening by Air Marshals at airports. Importantly, the program is not related to the FBI’s terrorist watchlist. Sources from multiple agencies noted that the program is known for its broader criteria for inclusion compared to other government security measures.

The TSA, when asked about Gabbard’s inclusion, did not confirm her name but clarified that the Quiet Skies program is not a terrorist watchlist. “TSA uses multi-layered security processes to protect the nation’s transportation systems and ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce,” a TSA spokesperson stated, further explaining that Quiet Skies is a “risk-based, automated approach to transportation security.”

CNN national security analyst Carrie Cordero added that the program flags individuals based on various indicators, triggering enhanced security checks before domestic flights. “It’s a screening mechanism,” she explained, designed to ensure individuals are safe to fly.

This episode adds to the controversy surrounding Gabbard’s nomination, which has already been met with discomfort from some GOP senators due to her unconventional foreign policy views and statements that critics argue align with Russian talking points.