Former Hawaii Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as director of national intelligence (DNI).

While some observers have questioned her chances of being confirmed, one formerly skeptical GOP senator now says that he is on board. 

Lindsey Graham gets behind Gabbard's confirmation

According to Newsweek, South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham made that announcement while appearing on "Fox News Sunday."

"I've actually served in a Reserve unit with Tulsi," Graham said, with Newsweek noting that he was in the Air Force Reserve until 2015.

"I've always liked her. I think a lot of her criticism against her has been really mean and off-base," the senator went on to tell host Shannon Bream.

The magazine pointed out that Graham appeared far less certain prior to Gabbard's confirmation hearing last week, as evidenced by remarks he made when speaking with NBC News.

Gabbard addresses Syria trip, Edward Snowden in hearing

"I tend to vote for almost everybody in both parties, but I want to see how the hearing goes. Why did you go to Syria? What did you do regarding Assad?" he said, referring to Gabbard's controversial 2017 meeting with then-Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.

The South Carolina senator also raised questions about Gabbard's stand on Edward Snowden, a computer analyst who revealed details about the federal government's surveillance program before fleeing to Russia.

Newsweek noted that Gabbard referenced Snowden during her confirmation hearing, stating, "I have shown throughout my almost 22 years of service in the military as well as my time in Congress how seriously I take the privilege of having access to classified information and our nation's secrets."

Regarding her meeting with Assad, Gabbard declared, "I believe that leaders, whether you be in Congress or the president of the United States, can benefit greatly by going and engaging boots on the ground, learning and listening and meeting directly with people, whether they be adversaries or friends."

Susan Collins voices support for Gabbard

Meanwhile, Reuters reported on Monday that Gabbard's confirmation prospects "received a major boost" from Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins

"I look forward to working with Ms. Gabbard to strengthen our national security," the news service quoted Collins as saying.

Collins is regarded as moderate in the Republican caucus and her backing could prove crucial if Gabbard is to be confirmed.