(DailyAnswer.org) – Former President Donald Trump recently stood up for former Representative Tulsi Gabbard, calling it absurd that critics still attack her for meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad years ago. His comments aired during an NBC “Meet the Press” interview with Kristen Welker, just as news broke that Assad fled Syria amid his regime’s collapse following rebel advances.
Trump didn’t mince words. “I’ve met with Vladimir Putin, President Xi of China, and even Kim Jong-un twice,” he said. “Does that disqualify me from being president?” His point was clear—world leaders meet with controversial figures all the time, and doing so doesn’t make them complicit in those individuals’ actions.
He went further, arguing that the criticism of Gabbard reflects a double standard. “People meet,” Trump emphasized. “Some of the loudest critics are the most dishonest people out there. Look at the 51 intelligence agents who falsely claimed Hunter Biden’s laptop was Russian disinformation. What about them? Were they incompetent, or was it something worse?” Trump criticized such attacks on Gabbard, arguing that these judgments highlight broader inconsistencies in political rhetoric.
Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, faced backlash for her 2017 meeting with Assad, a man accused of war crimes during Syria’s civil war. At the time, Gabbard argued her visit was part of an effort to promote peace and find solutions to end the conflict. Critics, however, labeled it as giving legitimacy to a dictator. She defended the meeting as a necessary step to better understand the situation on the ground.
When pressed about his views on Gabbard, Trump expressed respect for her. “I have confidence in her,” he said. “She’s a very respected person.”
Trump’s defense of Gabbard reflects his broader approach to diplomacy. Throughout his presidency, he repeatedly met with controversial figures, arguing that engagement—even with adversaries—could lead to better outcomes for the United States. It’s a stance that sparks debate, as some see it as pragmatic, while others view it as naive or reckless. This approach echoes Gabbard’s stance on post-Assad Syria, where she emphasized focusing on long-term peacebuilding efforts.
The former president’s remarks come as Gabbard continues to carve out a unique political identity, often challenging both major parties. Whether her meeting with Assad was wise or not, Trump’s comments are a reminder of the complexities of diplomacy and the fine line leaders walk when trying to navigate global conflicts.
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