Tulsi Gabbard Faces Senate Hurdles in Intelligence Chief Nomination

Concerns over qualifications and past actions leave Gabbard's confirmation uncertain as Republican senators express doubts.

Eight Republican senators have reportedly expressed reservations about Tulsi Gabbard's nomination as director of national intelligence, citing her qualifications and preparedness during Capitol Hill meetings.
Gabbard’s past meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2017 and her limited intelligence experience have raised concerns among lawmakers and national security experts.
Trump's transition team remains publicly optimistic, emphasizing that no Republican senator has officially opposed Gabbard, but internal doubts persist according to unnamed sources.
Supporters highlight Gabbard’s military service and alignment with Trump’s America First ideology, while critics point to her perceived leniency toward Russia and opposition to U.S. military aid to Ukraine.
With Republicans holding a narrow 53-47 Senate majority, Gabbard’s confirmation may depend on near-unanimous GOP support or gaining votes from Democrats, which could prove challenging.