FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Republican senators are facing backlash from Democrats over their defense of Tulsi Gabbard, who has been chosen by Donald Trump to lead U.S. intelligence services. The criticism stems from Gabbard’s past remarks supporting Russia and alleged secret meetings with Syria’s president while serving as a congresswoman.

Senator Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat from Illinois and an Iraq war veteran, expressed concerns about Gabbard’s suitability for the position of director of national intelligence due to her controversial actions, including a trip to Syria in 2017 and close ties with America’s adversaries. Duckworth questioned Gabbard’s ability to pass a background check based on her perceived relationships with foreign powers.

Gabbard, a former Democratic House member from Hawaii who recently announced her switch to the Republican party, has a strong military background, having served in the Army National Guard for over two decades. Despite her combat experience in Iraq and Kuwait, some Democrats, like Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, have labeled her a “Russian asset” without providing concrete evidence.

The debate surrounding Gabbard’s nomination has exposed deep divisions between Republicans and Democrats, with the former accusing the latter of unfair treatment due to Gabbard’s political realignment. Critics within the Democratic party fear that Gabbard’s appointment could jeopardize relationships with allies and give Russia an advantage in intelligence matters.

Republican senators have come to Gabbard’s defense, dismissing claims of her being a Russian asset as baseless and politically motivated. Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri denounced the accusations as a slur and emphasized the importance of respecting differing political perspectives. Meanwhile, Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma indicated a readiness to scrutinize Gabbard’s past statements and interactions as part of the nomination process.

As the Senate considers Gabbard’s nomination, questions linger about her controversial views on Russia, Ukraine, and national security. Despite the heated debate surrounding her candidacy, Gabbard’s supporters argue that her military background and diverse experiences make her a qualified candidate for the role of national intelligence chief.