Republicans defend Tulsi Gabbard amid ‘compromised’ claims from Democrats

Republican lawmakers are rallying behind Tulsi Gabbard, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Director of National Intelligence, amid Democratic allegations that she’s “compromised” due to her past actions and comments.

Democrats, including Sen. Tammy Duckworth, have criticized Gabbard for her 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, an ally of Russia and Iran.

Duckworth argued Gabbard might struggle to pass a background check, citing “troubling relationships” with US adversaries.

Others, like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, have even implied Gabbard is influenced by Russia, though they haven’t provided proof.

Gabbard, a military veteran with 20+ years of Army National Guard service, left the Democratic Party to join the Republicans last month.

Her past comments include suggesting legitimacy to Russia’s reasons for invading Ukraine.

GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin and others dismissed the allegations as baseless attacks on Gabbard’s loyalty and a political smear rooted in her shift to the Republican Party