1/ Why every American should be concerned with Trump’s use of the military in our communities🧵 2/ During my time in the military, I served in both National Guard and elite active-duty units (Rangers/paratroopers). I understand the training, authorities, and capabilities of military units.

1/ Tulsi Gabbard is unqualified to be the Director of National Intelligence. Here’s why: 2/ The DNI position was created in 2005 following an overhaul of our intelligence agencies after the 9/11 terror attacks. 

The primary lesson learned after 9/11 was that our intelligence agencies weren't coordinated and there were critical gaps that allowed the attacks to occur.

1/ One of President Trump’s first acts was to pardon those convicted in connection with January 6th. 

Here are some of the convicted felons he set free: 2/ Steven Cappuccio was convicted of six felonies including assaulting a police officer. 

Cappuccio ripped off Metro Police officer Daniel Hodges’ gas mask, and at one point during the assault he said: “How do you like me now, mother f---er?"

1/ Supporting Ukraine is in the best interest of America. Let me explain: 🧵:

This is a map of NATO (a little outdated. Finland is now in NATO). NATO is a mutual defense organization designed to promote peace and security in Europe. 2/ Article 5 of the NATO charter says, in essence, that if one NATO country is attacked, it’s an attack against all NATO allies. The US is a member of NATO. Don’t deceive yourself into thinking Putin plans to stop at Ukraine.

Thank you @POTUS for bringing our people home. Some facts on the Iran prisoner swap 🧵 The US should never leave our people behind. Every Administration, Republican and Democrat, has negotiated these types of deals. 1/4

I was in the House gallery when Trump’s incited mob stormed the Capitol. 🧵 1/5 I remember consoling my friend and colleague who had just spoken to her family. I remember telling my fellow members to take off their pins so we couldn’t be identified. My Ranger training kicked in and I remember gripping my pen to use as a weapon if necessary. 2/5

As U.S. political, military, and civil society leaders monitor the situation in Russia, a few key questions for all of us to consider over the next few days:

1) If Russia continues to destabilize what will happen with its vast stockpile of weapons, including nuclear? (1/) 2) What humanitarian crises may arise as a result and how should we best support NGOs to provide critical aid?

3) How should we be supporting Russian opposition, independent media, and civil society? (2/)

Let us be clear about what happened today. @realDonaldTrump threatened to send the military to “dominate” protestors, his advisors referred to our streets as the “battlespace,” and he ordered the military to use force on peaceful demonstrators so he could stage a photo op. I saw real battlefields in Iraq & Afghanistan. I saw what happens when the military is used against protesters. I’ve never wanted to see either here. These are not the actions of a rationale, fit, democratic president. They are the actions of a man who doesn’t respect our values.