Bernie Sanders defense of Tulsi Gabbard resurfaces as critics ...

A social media post from five years ago from Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who caucuses with Democrats, in support of Tulsi Gabbard has resurfaced amid Democratic criticism of President-elect Donald Trump's decision to make her the director of national intelligence.

Since winning the 2024 presidential election earlier this month, Trump has announced several Cabinet and political nominations, including Gabbard as director of national intelligence.

Gabbard, a former Democratic Representative for Hawaii and Democratic presidential candidate in 2020 prior to leaving the party, has been a controversial figure when it comes to foreign relations, with some criticizing her of being a "Russian agent" and potential threat to national security. This fall, she campaigned with then-Republican nominee Trump, and in October she officially became a Republican.

In an X, formerly Twitter, post following the announcement, Gabbard thanked the president-elect "for the opportunity to serve as a member of your cabinet to defend the safety, security and freedom of the American people. I look forward to getting to work."

Former Representative Tulsi Gabbard, a Hawaii Republican, is seen on November 3 in Lititz, Pennsylvania. A social media post from five years ago from Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who caucuses with Democrats, in... Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Since Trump's announcement, criticism of Gabbard has resurfaced, primarily over concerns of her allegiance, potential affiliation with other governments, and sympathetic view towards Russia.

Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Gabbard drew criticism from Democrats for not condemning Russia, posting on social media: "It's time to put geopolitics aside and embrace the spirit of aloha, respect and love, for the Ukrainian people by coming to an agreement that Ukraine will be a neutral country—i.e. no military alliance with NATO or Russia." Gabbard also raised concerns about U.S.-funded bio labs in Ukraine.

In 2017, Gabbard had a secret meeting with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, who is an ally of Russia, and in 2019, she told MSNBC that she does not believe Assad is an enemy of the United States. Gabbard has also described Assad as a "brutal dictator."

Some Democrats have expressed concern over Gabbard's allegiance, including Representative Jason Crow of Colorado, who told NBC News he has "deep questions about where her loyalties lie." Meanwhile, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida told MSNBC, "There's no question I consider her someone who is likely a Russian asset."

At the same time, some supporters of the president-elect's national intelligence pick have reshared a social media post from Sanders from October 2019. The post reads: "Tulsi Gabbard has put her life on the line to defend this country. People can disagree on issues, but it is outrageous for anyone to suggest that Tulsi is a foreign asset."

Sanders has not publicly commented on Gabbard's nomination as of Sunday.

Newsweek has reached out to Sanders' press team for comment via email on Sunday. Newsweek also filed out a contact form and emailed Gabbard for comment on Sunday as well.

The five-year-old post has been reshared by several Republicans, including conservative commentator Gunther Eagleman and Meghan McCain, among others.

Sanders and Gabbard both ran as Democratic candidates for president in 2020. In April 2020, after both their campaigns ended, Gabbard posted on social media, "My friend Bernie Sanders has committed his life to the fight for justice, healthcare, and equality for all Americans. I'm confident he will continue that fight."

Gabbard previously supported Sanders 2016 presidential campaign, at the time posting with the slogan "Feel the Bern." That same year, Sanders posted on social media that Gabbard "has been a great friend to our political revolution. Hawaiʻi – go out and vote for Tulsi today."