Tulsi Gabbard, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence, sparked renewed debate on Capitol Hill on Monday due to her controversial ties to Syria and its former president, Bashar Assad. This comes as Trump pushes forward with filling key administrative posts ahead of his term, aiming to solidify his “America First” vision.
Gabbard, a Democrat-turned-Republican and Army National Reserve lieutenant colonel, avoided direct responses to questions about her contentious 2017 visit to Syria, a trip widely criticised for its perceived alignment with Russian-backed narratives. As she navigated a series of closed-door meetings with senators, Gabbard issued a statement reaffirming her alignment with Trump’s foreign policy.
“I want to address the issue that’s in the headlines right now: I stand in full support and wholeheartedly agree with the statements that President Trump has made over these last few days with regards to the developments in Syria,” Gabbard said after meeting with Senate leaders.
Her nomination comes amid the sudden collapse of Assad’s regime after Islamist rebels launched a surprise offensive, forcing Assad to flee to Moscow. This geopolitical upheaval has reignited concerns about Gabbard’s past engagement with Assad, a leader accused of war crimes, and her capability to serve as the head of U.S. intelligence agencies.
A Divisive Cabinet and Confirmation Challenges
Trump’s Cabinet picks, including Gabbard and former Army National Guard major Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary, have polarized lawmakers. Critics, particularly Democrats, question the qualifications and suitability of these nominees, citing potential risks to U.S. interests. On the other hand, Republican allies remain largely supportive, aiming to expedite confirmations.
Senator Mike Rounds expressed optimism about the confirmation process, stating, “We’re going to sit down and visit, that’s what this is all about,” as he welcomed Gabbard for discussions.
Trump also announced additional nominations on Monday, including Harmeet Dhillon as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and Mark Paoletta as General Counsel for the Office of Management and Budget. Meanwhile, Kash Patel, Trump’s pick for FBI Director, began his preliminary meetings with senators. Patel’s controversial views, including dismantling the FBI and prosecuting political adversaries, have drawn widespread attention.
“I expect our Republican Senate is going to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees,” Senator Tom Cotton confidently declared on social media.
Criticism and Support for Gabbard and Hegseth
Despite Gabbard’s attempts to highlight her military experience and foreign policy insights, nearly 100 former senior diplomats and intelligence officials signed a letter urging the Senate to hold private hearings for a comprehensive review of her record. The letter expressed alarm over her potential inability to provide unbiased intelligence to the president and Congress.
Gabbard’s visit to Syria remains a focal point of criticism. At a time when the U.S. had severed diplomatic ties with Syria, her meeting with Assad was seen by many as legitimizing a regime accused of severe human rights abuses. While Gabbard defends her decision as an attempt to foster dialogue, detractors argue her rhetoric aligns too closely with Russian propaganda.
The backlash has not deterred her Republican supporters. Senator Lindsey Graham drew parallels between the criticism of Gabbard and the intense scrutiny faced by Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his Supreme Court confirmation. “Anonymous accusations are trying to destroy reputations again. We saw this with Kavanaugh. I won’t stand for it,” Graham said, referencing the sexual misconduct allegations Kavanaugh faced before his eventual confirmation.
Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth has also faced challenges, including allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. His recent meetings with senators appear to have softened opposition. Senator Joni Ernst, a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel and survivor of sexual assault, acknowledged progress after her discussions with Hegseth. Ernst stated that Hegseth had committed to appointing officials dedicated to preventing sexual assault within the military.
“I appreciate Pete Hegseth’s responsiveness and respect for the process,” Ernst noted, adding that she looks forward to “a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.”
Gabbard’s Evolution: From Democratic Star to Trump Ally
Once heralded as a rising star in the Democratic Party, Gabbard’s political journey has been marked by sharp turns. After representing Hawaii in Congress and mounting an unsuccessful presidential bid in 2020, she left the Democratic Party, citing disagreements over its foreign policy stance. Gabbard’s alignment with Trump began during his 2024 campaign, where her critiques of U.S. military involvement overseas resonated with his isolationist rhetoric.
Her controversial visit to Syria in 2017 marked a turning point in her career. Critics argue that the trip demonstrated poor judgment and compromised U.S. interests. Gabbard, however, maintains that her military service and firsthand experiences with the cost of war have shaped her outlook.
“It’s one of the many reasons why I appreciate President Trump’s leadership and his election, where he is fully committed, as he has said over and over, to bring about an end to wars,” Gabbard stated during her meetings.
Uncertain Path Forward
The confirmation process for Gabbard and other Trump nominees promises to be contentious. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), established after the September 11, 2001 attacks, plays a critical role in coordinating U.S. intelligence efforts and advising the president. Critics argue that Gabbard’s past actions raise questions about her ability to serve effectively in this capacity.
As senators prepare for the upcoming hearings, the stakes remain high. Trump’s team has dismissed the criticism as politically motivated smears, with allies doubling down on their support for the nominees.
With concerns about Syria, Russia, and the broader implications of Trump’s appointments dominating the conversation, Gabbard’s path to confirmation is anything but certain. Her ability to address these concerns and build bipartisan support will be crucial as she navigates the scrutiny of Capitol Hill.