Republicans defend Trump’s intelligence nominee Tulsi Gabbard against Democratic accusations

Republican senators defended Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump's nominee for director of national intelligence, against Democratic claims that she is "compromised" due to her past comments on Russia and meetings with Syrian President Bashar Assad. Democrats, including Sen. Tammy Duckworth, expressed concerns about Gabbard's judgment and relationships with adversaries. They worry her nomination could harm U.S. intelligence ties with allies. Republicans criticized these accusations as unfounded and politically motivated, asserting that Gabbard's differing views do not make her a Russian asset. Some senators plan to question her about her past actions during the confirmation process.