### Nikki Haley Criticizes Trump's Potential Picks for Key Administration Roles

On her podcast this Wednesday, Nikki Haley expressed strong reservations about President-elect Donald Trump's proposed nominations for two significant positions in his administration. Haley, a known supporter of Trump's policies, openly criticized the selection of Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as head of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Haley argued that the role of director of national intelligence should not be held by someone with sympathies towards countries like Russia, Iran, Syria, and China. She pointed out that Gabbard opposed vital measures such as ending the Iran nuclear deal, imposing sanctions on Iran, and designating the Iranian military as terrorists. Highlighting Gabbard's controversial statements, she added, "She said that Donald Trump turned the U.S. into Saudi Arabia's prostitute. This is going to be the future head of our national intelligence."

Further scrutinizing Gabbard's past actions, Haley condemned Gabbard's 2017 trip to Syria, describing it as a "disgusting" attempt to seek a photo op with Bashar al-Assad. Gabbard's skepticism towards reports of Assad using chemical weapons against his own citizens also drew criticism. Additionally, Haley found Gabbard's comments blaming NATO for Russia's invasion of Ukraine troubling, suggesting that her rhetoric was echoed by Russian and Chinese media.

Shifting her focus to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Haley questioned his suitability for leading the Department of Health and Human Services. She noted that Kennedy, a liberal Democrat and environmental attorney, lacks a background in health care, despite the department overseeing a significant portion of the federal budget. "He's a liberal Democrat, environmental attorney trial lawyer who will now be overseeing 25 percent of our federal budget and has no background in health care," she stated.

Haley's candid remarks underline her concerns about the compatibility and qualifications of Trump's potential appointees for these pivotal roles in the administration.