Tulsi Gabbard, President Donald Trump’s pick to become intelligence chief, fought back against what she called “smears,” declaring she is nobody’s “puppet” at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday.

Senators questioned former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard on Thursday as part of her confirmation process to be Director of National Intelligence.

Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence, who faces confirmation hearings this week, may be his most at-risk Cabinet pick.

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.

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.

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.