Gabbard has every right to her personal views, however inscrutable they may be. As a private citizen, she can apologize for Assad and Putin to her heart’s content. But as a security risk, Gabbard is a walking Christmas tree of warning lights. If she is nominated to be America’s top intelligence officer, that’s everyone’s business.

Tulsi Gabbard, a former Hawaii House Democrat, is on a shortlist of contenders for director of national intelligence, multiple sources have confirmed to Fox News Digital. Former Utah Republican House Rep. Chris Stewart is also in "active discussions" with the transition team about the role, a source said.