Among the risks, say current and former intelligence officials and independent experts, are that top advisers could feed the incoming president a distorted view of global threats based on what they believe will please him and that foreign allies may be reluctant to share vital information.

Gabbard, an Army Reserve officer whose antiwar views are seen as sympathetic to Moscow, is considered an unconventional choice to lead U.S. spy agencies.

Donald Trump was expected to pick an outsider to lead the U.S. intelligence community. He exceeded expectations by choosing Tulsi Gabbard. The former Democratic member of Congress from Hawaii has many critics and no formal intelligence experience.