Tulsi Gabbard’s Hiroshima warning sparked strong reactions Tuesday as she condemned rising nuclear tensions after visiting the bombed city. Meanwhile, the U.S. intelligence chief said warmongers are pushing the world closer to nuclear war. Gabbard did not name specific threats, but she referenced Russia’s repeated nuclear threats over the Ukraine conflict.
Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned the West against continued military aid to Kyiv. Gabbard, a former congresswoman, posted a video of Hiroshima’s devastation and scenes from the Peace Memorial. She stood in silence at the site of the 1945 U.S. atomic attack, reflecting on its destruction.
The Hiroshima bombing killed 140,000 people by the end of that year. Subsequently, three days later, the U.S. bombed Nagasaki, killing 74,000 more. Japan surrendered on August 15. This bomb was small compared to today’s nuclear weapons, said Gabbard in the video. A single nuclear weapon now could kill millions in minutes, she warned.
The Tulsi Gabbard Hiroshima warning accused global leaders of fueling fear and conflict between nuclear powers. Perhaps they trust their access to shelters, she said, however, everyday people won’t be so lucky. Her tone differed from typical national intelligence briefings, sounding more like an activist’s speech.
It’s up to us to demand an end to this madness, she said, calling on citizens to speak out. Gabbard’s comments came amid frustrations in Washington over Putin’s refusal to consider a Ukraine ceasefire.
So far, President Donald Trump’s team has failed to secure meaningful talks with Moscow. Moreover, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has hinted the U.S. may abandon diplomatic efforts if talks stall. Gabbard, once a Democrat, drew criticism for views seen as sympathetic to Russia. She survived a tough confirmation process, defending her past remarks on NATO and Ukraine.
She had previously said that the West should have addressed Russian security concerns. The Tulsi Gabbard Hiroshima warning comes just ahead of the bombing’s 80th anniversary. The United States has never apologized for the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. As a result, as the world recalls those tragedies, Gabbard’s message calls for peace before history repeats.
