Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination for director of national intelligence faced its stiffest opposition yet Thursday, as senators from both parties appeared exasperated by Gabbard’s answers during a hearing Thursday.

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

Sens. Susan Collins and Todd Young, who both serve on the Intelligence Committee, are among the Republicans who have yet to say whether they will support Tulsi Gabbard. Only one Republican would need to oppose her to block her nomination from being reported favorably to the full Senate,

Jan. 26 Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told NBC he is inclined to vote in favor of all of Trump’s nominees, but wants to “see how the hearing goes,” specifically citing Gabbard’s controversial visit to Syria and her previous call for charges to be dropped against National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden.

Tulsi Gabbard, Kash Patel and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are among Trump's more controversial nominees, and faced tough questions from senators Thursday.

Republicans are cautioning that Tulsi Gabbard’s path to confirmation to lead the U.S. intelligence apparatus is narrowing as she seemingly has trouble winning over key GOP senators. Gabbard, along

"I know there’s been a lot of reporting that she’s changed her position. That’s not how I read her answers," Collins said of Tulsi Gabbard

Maine's Republican senator plans to question both during separate hearings scheduled for Thursday morning, and she seen as a possible swing vote.