Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump's pick to be director of national intelligence, has faced tough questions from lawmakers during a fiery confirmation hearing Thursday.

Senators questioned Gabbard about views seen as echoing Russia's justification of its war, criticism of US involvement in Syria and a 2017 meeting with Bashar al-Assad.

Three of President Donald Trump’s most controversial nominees faced sharp questions in the Senate during hearings Thursday from Democrats as well as several Republican senators in what amounted to the most direct skepticism from GOP senators over Trump’s nominees to date.

Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's nominee for director of national intelligence, faced heated questions over her past statements on surveillance, Russia, foreign policy and Edward Snowden.

Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick to be Director of National Intelligence, refused to call Edward Snowden a traitor at her confirmation hearing.

Democrats may also score hits by defeating two of Trump’s big-name nominees. Tulsi Gabbard, in her Senate hearing for director of national intelligence, couldn’t even say Edward Snowden was a traitor despite the fact that he gave U.S. military secrets to our enemy, Russia, where he now lives.

Gabbard started again as Bennet insisted, “Yes or no? Is Edward Snowden a traitor to the United States of America?”

Tulsi Gabbard faced tough questions Thursday about past comments about Russia, Syria and government leaker Edward Snowden during a Senate confirmation hearing on her nomination to lead the U.S. intelligence service.

Gabbard is a rare Washington politician who defended the NSA whistleblower. But she has also changed positions and even political parties.

Tulsi Gabbard refused to call Edward Snowden a traitor despite repeated pressure from senators. Her stance may jeopardise her bid to become Donald Trump's Director of National Intelligence.

President Donald Trump's pick for Director of National Intelligence faced tough questions from Maine senators on Capitol Hill Thursday.