Republican senators defend Tulsi Gabbard against Democratic criticism over intelligence nomination

Republican senators criticized Democrats on Sunday for questioning Tulsi Gabbard's nomination by Donald Trump to lead U.S. intelligence. They defended Gabbard against claims of being "compromised" due to her past support for Russia and meetings with Syrian President Bashar Assad. Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth expressed serious concerns about Gabbard's ties to U.S. adversaries, suggesting she may not pass a background check. Other Democrats have also accused Gabbard of being a "Russian asset," although no evidence has been provided. Republicans, including Senator Markwayne Mullin, dismissed these accusations as ridiculous and politically motivated. Some GOP senators, like James Lankford, acknowledged they have questions for Gabbard regarding her past comments and meetings as the Senate considers her nomination.