Former U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard’s alleged placement on a terror watch list sparks controversy as the Biden administration remains silent amid a Judicial Watch FOIA lawsuit.
Key Takeaways
- Tulsi Gabbard claims she was placed on a TSA “secret terror watchlist” called Quiet Skies, allegedly due to her political shift.
- 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 Quiet Skies program, citing national security concerns.
- Republican lawmakers and whistleblowers have raised concerns about potential political targeting through the Quiet Skies program.
- Gabbard’s nomination as Director of National Intelligence by Donald Trump has intensified scrutiny of her alleged watchlist status.
Gabbard’s Claims and the Quiet Skies Program
Former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has found herself at the center of a growing controversy involving allegations of being placed on a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) watchlist. Gabbard, who has recently been nominated by Donald Trump for the position of Director of National Intelligence, claims she was added to a program known as “Quiet Skies,” which she describes as a “secret terror watchlist.”
The Quiet Skies program, as described by the TSA, is a risk-based security measure applied to a limited number of travelers, not a terrorist watchlist. However, Gabbard’s allegations have raised concerns about potential political targeting, especially given her shift from the Democratic Party to aligning with Republicans.
“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
Judicial Watch’s FOIA Lawsuit
In response to these allegations, Judicial Watch, a conservative watchdog group, has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The lawsuit seeks records related to Gabbard’s alleged surveillance under the Quiet Skies program. This legal action aims to shed light on the situation and determine whether there is any merit to Gabbard’s claims of political targeting.
Just a few days before they got out of Dodge, the Biden gang told @JudicialWatch we would get zero info on its scheme to abuse @TulsiGabbard by spying on and smearing her.
“TSA cannot confirm or deny the existence of records that would tend to confirm a particular individual’s… https://t.co/3UEmTVWKDn— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) January 28, 2025
Judicial Watch has reported receiving responses from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), TSA, and the Office of Intelligence and Analysis regarding Gabbard’s potential surveillance. However, the Biden administration has thus far refused to confirm or deny her targeting, citing protection of civil liberties and national security concerns.
Political Implications and Congressional Inquiries
The controversy has drawn attention from 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 placement on the suspected-terrorist 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
The situation has been further complicated by Gabbard’s nomination as Director of National Intelligence, a position that requires a high level of trust and transparency. Her nomination has been met with skepticism from some intelligence officials and allies, particularly due to her controversial foreign policy views and statements about leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Bashar Al-Assad.
Judicial Watch announced today that it filed on December 9, 2024, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for records on former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard being targeted for surveillance under the Transportation Security… pic.twitter.com/XLdvTOs0wd
— ❌Paul Baumgartner❌ 68% Adjudicated (@WatchnDaWorld) December 18, 2024
Ongoing Investigations and Unanswered Questions
As the controversy continues to unfold, many questions remain unanswered. The TSA maintains that it does not consider race or religion when enrolling individuals in the Quiet Skies program, but it has not addressed concerns about potential political targeting. Whistleblowers from the Federal Air Marshal Service have provided information about Gabbard’s enrollment in the program, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
The Biden administration’s silence on the matter has only fueled speculation and calls for transparency. As Judicial Watch pursues its lawsuit and congressional inquiries continue, the public awaits clarification on whether Gabbard’s claims of political retaliation have any basis in fact, and what implications this might have for civil liberties and the integrity of national security programs.
Sources:
- Is Tulsi Gabbard on TSA Terrorist Watchlist? What She’s Said – Newsweek
- Tulsi Gabbard Put on Watch List By Biden Gang – Judicial Watch SUES!
- Tulsi Gabbard claimed she was on a terrorist watchlist. She’s now set to lead America’s spy network
- Former Democrat Representative and Presidential Candidate Placed on Terror Watch List
- Press Releases | Judicial Watch
- Rep. Burchett demands answers from TSA about Tulsi Gabbard on “Quiet Skies” watchlist
- Judicial Watch: Biden Homeland Security Refuses to ‘Confirm or Deny’ it Placed Tulsi Gabbard on Terrorist Watch List
