Biden Administration’s Silence on Tulsi Gabbard’s Possible Terrorist Watch List Inclusion and FOIA Litigation Insights

Man in suit speaking at a podium.

Former U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard claims she’s on a terrorist watch list, but the Biden administration remains silent amid ongoing FOIA litigation.

Key Insights

  • Tulsi Gabbard alleges she was placed on TSA’s “Quiet Skies” program after criticizing the Biden administration.
  • The Biden administration has not confirmed or denied Gabbard’s status, citing national security concerns.
  • Judicial Watch filed a FOIA lawsuit against DHS for records related to Gabbard’s alleged surveillance.
  • Republican lawmakers and whistleblowers have raised concerns about potential political targeting.
  • Gabbard’s nomination for Director of National Intelligence has sparked controversy due to her lack of intelligence experience and controversial views.

Gabbard’s Claims and TSA’s Response

Former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has ignited a firestorm of controversy by claiming she was placed on a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) “secret terror watchlist” called Quiet Skies. Gabbard, who has recently shifted her political alignment from Democrat to Republican, suggests this alleged targeting is due to her criticism of the Biden administration, particularly Vice President Kamala Harris.

The TSA, however, has not confirmed or denied Gabbard’s status on the Quiet Skies program. They describe it as a risk-based security measure applied to a limited number of travelers, not a terrorist watchlist. The agency cites the protection of civil liberties and national security as reasons for their silence on individual cases.

“Just before boarding a flight on July 23, my husband and I were pulled aside for additional TSA screening. We were told by the TSA agent there that this was just a random selection. Now, that might have been believable if it had happened just once or twice. But five, six, seven, eight times in a row? There’s no way.” – Tulsi Gabbard

Political Implications and Investigations

The allegations have caught the attention of Republican lawmakers, including Senators James Comer and Rand Paul, who have requested TSA records on Gabbard and others allegedly targeted by such programs. U.S. Congressman Tim Burchett has also written to TSA Administrator David P. Pekoske, demanding answers about Gabbard’s alleged placement on the watchlist.

“I have been told Mrs. Gabbard has been placed on a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) watchlist under a program known as ‘Quiet Skies’. I find this profoundly troubling for a number of reasons.” – Rep. Burchett

Adding to the controversy, whistleblowers from the Federal Air Marshal Service have come forward with information about Gabbard’s alleged enrollment in the Quiet Skies program. These claims have further fueled concerns about potential political targeting and abuse of power within federal agencies.

FOIA Litigation and Government Response

In response to the lack of transparency, Judicial Watch has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security concerning records related to Gabbard’s alleged surveillance under the Quiet Skies program. The organization is seeking to expedite the lawsuit, as noted in a December 11 court order.

The Department of Homeland Security has reviewed 506 pages of records, producing 13 pages with redacted information related to Gabbard’s surveillance. However, the Biden administration has refused to confirm or deny her targeting, maintaining a stance of silence on the matter.

“The Harris-Biden regime has now labeled me a domestic terror threat. Why? They see me as a threat to their power.” – Tulsi Gabbard

Gabbard’s Nomination and Controversy

Amidst this ongoing controversy, former President Donald Trump has nominated Gabbard for the position of Director of National Intelligence, despite her lack of formal intelligence experience. This nomination has raised eyebrows and concerns among intelligence officials and allies, given Gabbard’s controversial foreign policy views and alleged alignment with Russian propaganda narratives.

As the situation continues to unfold, questions remain about the balance between national security measures and potential political targeting. The Biden administration’s silence on the matter only serves to fuel speculation and debate about the use of programs like Quiet Skies and their impact on civil liberties and democratic oversight.

Sources:

  1. Is Tulsi Gabbard on TSA Terrorist Watchlist? What She’s Said – Newsweek
  2. Tulsi Gabbard Put on Watch List By Biden Gang – Judicial Watch SUES!
  3. Tulsi Gabbard claimed she was on a terrorist watchlist. She’s now set to lead America’s spy network
  4. Former Democrat Representative and Presidential Candidate Placed on Terror Watch List
  5. Press Releases | Judicial Watch
  6. Rep. Burchett demands answers from TSA about Tulsi Gabbard on “Quiet Skies” watchlist
  7. Judicial Watch: Biden Homeland Security Refuses to ‘Confirm or Deny’ it Placed Tulsi Gabbard on Terrorist Watch List