Tulsi Gabbard, President Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence, found herself under extra security measures on flights last year. While she claimed it was due to her criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris, officials say it was actually tied to a Vatican event.

Last summer, Gabbard accused the Biden administration of placing her on a “domestic terror watch list” as retaliation for her public remarks about Harris. However, sources familiar with the matter reveal that the heightened scrutiny was triggered by her participation in a Vatican gathering organized by a European businessman who was on an FBI watch list.

There’s no evidence that Gabbard, a former Hawaii congresswoman, did anything wrong by attending the event. It’s also unclear why the businessman was flagged or if it was an error. Still, the incident raises questions about Gabbard’s foreign travel and associations.

This isn’t the first time her international trips have drawn attention. In 2017, she visited Syria and met with President Bashar al-Assad, a Russian-backed leader, during a controversial period in the country’s civil war. Gabbard has often taken positions on foreign policy that clash with mainstream views, including blaming the U.S. and NATO for Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

As Gabbard prepares for her confirmation hearing, her past travels and connections are likely to be a focal point. While she maintains her actions were justified, critics argue they highlight potential risks in her appointment as the nation’s top intelligence official.

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