Summary

Concerns over Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as director of national intelligence (DNI) under Donald Trump stem from her controversial Middle East ties, particularly her 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Critics, including intelligence officials and bipartisan lawmakers, question her fitness, citing her unorthodox views, conspiracy theories about U.S.-funded biolabs in Ukraine, and statements minimizing Assad’s atrocities.

Worries include risks to intelligence-sharing with allies and the security of U.S. assets.

Gabbard and her supporters claim her anti-interventionist stance is being misrepresented as a liability. Senate confirmation hearings may address these controversies.