section_path: Director of National Intelligence (2025–present)/Nomination/Opposition
section_name: Opposition
paragraph_text: Opposition
  
  Gabbard's nomination was met with controversy. Media coverage was widely critical, and Democrats raised concerns about her past meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and remarks perceived as aligning with Russian narratives. Critics, including former CIA Director Leon Panetta, questioned her lack of intelligence experience and opposition to U.S. involvement in Ukraine.
  
  The New York Times noted that while Russian media had amplified Gabbard's foreign policy views, there was no evidence of collaboration with Russian intelligence, and she had opposed Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Democratic congressmen, including Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Jason Crow, Tammy Duckworth, and Elizabeth Warren, labeled her a "likely Russian asset."
  
  Over 100 former national security officials signed a letter opposing her nomination. Gabbard's spokesperson dismissed these concerns as politically motivated attacks.
  
  Gabbard's nomination was met with controversy. Media coverage was widely critical, and Democrats raised concerns about her past meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and remarks perceived as aligning with Russian narratives. Critics, including former CIA Director Leon Panetta, questioned her lack of intelligence experience and opposition to U.S. involvement in Ukraine.
  
  The New York Times noted that while Russian media had amplified Gabbard's foreign policy views, there was no evidence of collaboration with Russian intelligence, and she had opposed Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Democratic congressmen, including Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Jason Crow, Tammy Duckworth, and Elizabeth Warren, labeled her a "likely Russian asset."
  
  Over 100 former national security officials signed a letter opposing her nomination. Gabbard's spokesperson dismissed these concerns as politically motivated attacks.