Tulsi Gabbard fought back against what she called “smears,” declaring she is nobody’s “puppet” before the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Tulsi Gabbard insisted Thursday she’s no one’s “puppet” and pushed back against senators’ accusations that she supports foreign dictators and a famous U.S. whistleblower who fled to Russia. Gabbard, President Donald Trump’s choice to become director of national intelligence,

President Donald Trump's choice to direct U.S. intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, faces a Senate panel that is divided over its position on her nomination in a confirmation hearing on Thursday.

Gabbard has put her life on the line in service to our nation, proudly represented her constituents in Congress, and is ready to continue her service as DNI.

Tulsi Gabbard receives a round of applause upon the conclusion of her hearing

Tulsi Gabbard, President Trump's pick to serve as the director of national intelligence, used her opening statement to criticize what she viewed as the "weaponization and politicization of the intelligence community.

If confirmed, former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard would become the youngest-ever DNI. Sources tell ABC News the vote on her nomination is expected to be close.