Tulsi Gabbard’s Alleged Inclusion on Terrorist Watch List: Judicial Watch’s FOIA Lawsuit for DHS and TSA Records

Person walking on tarmac wearing a black mask.

Tulsi Gabbard, former Democratic congresswoman and potential Director of National Intelligence nominee, finds herself at the center of a controversy involving alleged inclusion on a federal terrorist watch list, sparking a lawsuit and raising questions about government transparency.

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 Freedom of Information Act lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security for records related to Gabbard’s alleged surveillance.
The TSA 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 Watchlist Allegations and Political Implications

Former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, now a potential nominee for Director of National Intelligence, has ignited a firestorm of controversy with claims that she was placed on a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) watchlist. Gabbard alleges that her inclusion in the “Quiet Skies” program, which she describes as a “secret terror watchlist,” coincided with her political shift from Democrat to Republican.

“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.

Gabbard’s 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. The situation has raised concerns about potential political motivations behind surveillance practices and the broader implications for civil liberties.

“The Biden administration’s decision to place Tulsi Gabbard on a terrorist watchlist was abusive on its face,” Judicial Watch President @TomFitton (2/3). https://t.co/CO5f9geMKm

— Judicial Watch ⚖️ (@JudicialWatch) January 28, 2025

Judicial Watch’s FOIA Lawsuit and Government Response

In response to the 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, aiming to shed light on the government’s practices and decision-making processes.

“Federal air marshal whistleblowers came forward with very disturbing information. They revealed that I had been added to a secret terror watchlist run by the TSA called Quiet Skies on July 23. This is the very same day my husband and I began to be subjected to those in-depth TSA searches.” – Tulsi

The TSA has neither confirmed nor denied Gabbard’s status on the Quiet Skies program, citing the need to protect civil liberties and national security. This lack of transparency has only fueled further speculation and debate about the extent and purpose of such surveillance programs.

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/O3y6eilsIW

— ❌Paul Baumgartner❌ 68% Adjudicated (@WatchnDaWorld) January 1, 2025

Political Ramifications and National Security Concerns

Gabbard’s situation has broader implications for national security and political discourse. As a nominee for the critical role of Director of National Intelligence, her alleged inclusion on a watchlist raises questions about the intersection of politics and national security measures. Critics argue that such targeting, if true, could represent a dangerous precedent of using security apparatus for political purposes.

“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.” Said Rep. Burchett.

Furthermore, Gabbard’s controversial foreign policy views, including her opinions on leaders like Vladimir Putin and Bashar Al-Assad, have led to concerns about how her potential appointment might affect intelligence sharing with U.S. allies. As the situation unfolds, it continues to highlight the delicate balance between national security measures and individual rights, as well as the need for transparency in government operations.