Washington, May 27 (IANS) President Donald Trump on Wednesday praised outgoing Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard for what he described as sweeping reforms of the US intelligence community, including exposing evidence linked to the “Russia, Russia, Russia hoax” and releasing classified records tied to major historical investigations.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump said Gabbard had “worked tirelessly to restore trust and focus” within the intelligence community and credited her with helping uncover information later used by federal investigators.
“She dramatically reformed the office of Director of National Intelligence,” Trump said. “She exposed mountains of evidence related to the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax.”
Trump said Gabbard had reduced staffing at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence by 40% and had revoked the security clearances of officials linked to past investigations into alleged Russian interference in US elections.
The President also said Gabbard oversaw the declassification of documents connected to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy.
“She declassified numerous historic documents of special public interest,” Trump said.
The administration is now preparing to release additional classified material linked to “extraterrestrial” subjects and unidentified aerial phenomena, he said, adding public interest in the issue had surged.
“We’re releasing a lot of information having to do with extraterrestrial terrestrial things,” Trump said. “People are totally fascinated by it.”
The President said the disclosures had become “literally trending number one” and indicated the administration would continue making such records public.
Trump also credited Gabbard with helping prevent terrorists and cartel members from entering the United States, although he did not provide details.
“She gave us leads that people thought were dead, and they weren’t dead,” Trump said. “It was amazing.”
During the meeting, Trump thanked Gabbard personally and said the administration was “praying” for her husband, whom he said was unwell.
–IANS
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