Tulsi Gabbard, President-elect Donald Trump's choice for director of national intelligence, has faced criticism for her sympathetic views toward Russia and her endorsement of Russia's justification for invading Ukraine. Critics argue that her stance could undermine U.S. national security and intelligence ties with allies. Gabbard has defended her comments, stating that American assistance for Ukraine antagonizes Russia and that acknowledging Russia's security concerns could have prevented the war. Her past meetings with Syrian President Bashar Assad have also drawn criticism from Democrats. The nomination process for Gabbard's confirmation is being closely watched by America's allies.