Republicans defend Trump’s intelligence pick Gabbard against Democratic criticism

Republican lawmakers are defending 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 a meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad. Democrats, including Sen. Tammy Duckworth, have expressed concerns about Gabbard's judgment and relationships with U.S. adversaries. They argue her selection could harm U.S. intelligence ties with allies. Republicans, however, reject these accusations, calling them unfounded and politically motivated. Some, like Sen. Eric Schmitt, argue that labeling Gabbard as a Russian asset is insulting and lacks evidence.