‘All of a Sudden She Recollects Details’

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was torn apart by both legislators and social media users for inconsistencies in her testimony while being questioned about a private group chat used by members of the Trump administration to discuss sensitive war plans.

Following the release of the texts by The Atlantic’s Editor-in-Chief Jeff Goldberg, who broke the story after accidentally being added to the group chat, Gabbard was confronted by the House Intelligence Committee on Wednesday regarding inconsistencies between the testimony she provided the Senate on Tuesday.

“My answer yesterday was based on my recollection, or the lack thereof, on the details that were posted there. What was shared today reflects the fact that I was not directly involved with that part of the Signal chat, and replied at the end, reflecting the very brief effects that the National Security Advisor had shared,” she stated.

“So it’s your testimony that less than two weeks ago, you were on a Signal chat that had all of this information about F-18s and MQ-9 Reapers and targets on strike, and you, in that two week period, simply forgot that that was there. That’s your testimony?” Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes asked.

“My testimony is I did not recall the exact details of what was included there,” she replied.

“That was not your testimony. Your testimony was that you were not aware of anything related to weapons, packages, targets and timing,” Himes pressed.

Social media users began mocking Gabbard for her conflicting testimonies, accusing her of attempting to cover up her own mistakes and lying about her memory.

“Geez Mr. Scott questions her and all of a sudden she recollects details of the Signal chat,” wrote one user.

“The citizens of this country demand better. Gabbard is the Director of National Security for Gods sakes and she failed miserably and then bold-faced lied to the American people,” wrote another. “She cannot be trusted. I want her fired along with all those that participated in this f—up.”

“In short, Tulsi Gabbard doesn’t recall seeing top-secret information shared with her on Signal, such as the time of the operation, the targets, the aircraft, and even the type of bombs the United States used to strike Yemen,” said another.

“These people must have a pro-lying coach. They all lie the same way,” one user commented.

Gabbard stated that it “was a mistake that a reporter was inadvertently added” after initially stating that no classified information was exchanged over text. She admitted that the group chat contained “candid and sensitive” information about attack plans, specifically those targeting the Houthi rebel movement in Yemen.