Judicial Watch’s recent Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit has brought attention to the possibility that former U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard may be under surveillance through the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) controversial Quiet Skies program.
At a Glance
- Tulsi Gabbard claims she was placed on a TSA watchlist called Quiet Skies
- Judicial Watch filed a FOIA lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security for records related to Gabbard’s surveillance
- The Biden administration has not confirmed or denied Gabbard’s status on the watchlist
- Republican lawmakers have requested TSA records on Gabbard and others allegedly targeted
- Gabbard’s nomination as Director of National Intelligence has raised concerns among intelligence officials
Gabbard’s Claims and TSA’s Response
Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman who has been nominated by Donald Trump to be the Director of National Intelligence, has made startling claims about being placed on a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) watchlist. Gabbard asserts that her political shift from Democrat to Republican led to her inclusion in the Quiet Skies program, which she describes as a “secret terror watchlist.”
“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,” Gabbard said.
The TSA, however, describes Quiet Skies as a risk-based security measure applied to a limited number of travelers, not a terrorist watchlist. Despite public interest and inquiries from Republican lawmakers, the agency has neither confirmed nor denied Gabbard’s status, citing the protection of civil liberties and national security.
Judicial Watch’s FOIA Lawsuit
In response to the controversy, Judicial Watch, a conservative watchdog group, has filed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The organization is seeking records related to Gabbard’s alleged surveillance under the Quiet Skies program.
Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton has criticized the Biden administration’s alleged decision to place Gabbard on a watchlist. The lawsuit aims to expedite the release of documents that could clarify the situation for the public, as noted in a December 11 court order.
Political Implications and Concerns
Gabbard’s nomination as Director of National Intelligence by President Donald Trump has intensified the scrutiny surrounding her alleged watchlist status. The nomination has been met with skepticism and concern from intelligence officials and allies, given Gabbard’s lack of formal intelligence experience and her controversial foreign policy views.
“The Harris-Biden regime has now labeled me a domestic terror threat. Why? They see me as a threat to their power,” Gabbard said.
Critics have pointed to Gabbard’s favorable opinions of leaders like Vladimir Putin and Bashar Al-Assad, as well as her views on Ukraine and NATO, which some argue align with Russian propaganda narratives. These concerns have led to questions about how her appointment might affect intelligence sharing with U.S. allies.
Congressional Involvement
The controversy has drawn the attention of several Republican lawmakers. U.S. Congressman Tim Burchett has written to TSA Administrator David P. Pekoske regarding Gabbard’s alleged placement on the watchlist and requested a meeting to discuss the issue.
“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 said.
Additionally, Senators James Comer and Rand Paul have requested TSA records on Gabbard and others allegedly targeted by such programs. The House Oversight Committee has also noted Gabbard’s addition to the Quiet Skies program following her criticism of the Biden administration.
