Who is Tulsi Gabbard, America’s New Director of Intelligence?

KAZI ABUL MONSUR, JOURNALIST#

She openly declares her favoritism toward India. According to her, Hinduism is the greatest religion, and the Gita is the supreme scripture. Once, she even gifted a copy of the Gita to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making headlines. Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic member of the U.S. Congress, has now been appointed as the new Director of National Intelligence (DNI) by Republican President Donald Trump.

Many mistakenly believe she is of Indian origin because of her name, “Tulsi.” However, she has no connection to India. As the only Hindu member of the U.S. Congress, Tulsi is quite popular among the Indian diaspora. In 2022, she left the Democratic Party, accusing President Joe Biden of “racist” actions. Before that, in 2020, she had entered the race for the U.S. presidency against Biden but eventually lagged behind in the competition within the Democratic Party.

Tulsi Gabbard is a trailblazing American politician, military veteran, and advocate for global peace and justice. Her career is marked by groundbreaking achievements and bold stances, making her a unique figure in U.S. politics. Born April 12, 1981 in Leloaloa, American Samoa. Tulsi comes from a multicultural family. Her father, Mike Gabbard, has Samoan and European heritage, and her mother, Carol Porter Gabbard, is of European descent. Raised in Hawaii, Tulsi embraced Hinduism during her teenage years and credits the Bhagavad Gita as a guiding force in her life. At just 21, Tulsi was elected to the Hawaii State Legislature in 2002, becoming one of the youngest women in U.S. history to hold such a position. From 2013 to 2021, Tulsi represented Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. She was the first Hindu and first Samoan-American elected to Congress. She famously took her oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita.

In 2020, Tulsi ran for the Democratic presidential nomination, focusing on anti-interventionist foreign policies, ending “regime-change wars,” and promoting bipartisan cooperation. Although her campaign didn’t gain significant traction, it showcased her independence within the Democratic Party. In 2022, Tulsi left the Democratic Party, accusing it of promoting division, identity politics, and undermining free speech. She has since positioned herself as a political independent.
Tulsi served in the Hawaii Army National Guard, with deployments to Iraq (2004–2005) and Kuwait (2008–2009).
Rising to the rank of Major, she was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for her dedication. Her military experience profoundly shaped her foreign policy views, emphasizing diplomacy and peace-building over conflict.
Beliefs and Advocacy

A practicing Hindu, Tulsi integrates the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita into her personal and professional life. She has been a vocal advocate for religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue. Known for her non-interventionist stance, she opposes “endless wars” and has consistently called for the U.S. to avoid military actions aimed at regime change.
Tulsi has championed renewable energy initiatives, including her “OFF Fossil Fuels Act,” aimed at transitioning the U.S. to clean energy by 2035. As a veteran, she has worked tirelessly to improve healthcare, housing, and job opportunities for fellow service members.
Tulsi’s admiration for Indian culture, her meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and her promotion of Hindu values have led some to speculate about her political leanings, sparking mixed reactions both in the U.S. and abroad. Her frequent critiques of the Democratic establishment, including her public disagreements with figures like Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, have earned her both praise and criticism. Her controversial meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2017 drew significant backlash, with critics accusing her of legitimizing a dictator. Tulsi defended the meeting as a necessary step to promote peace.

Tulsi is married to Abraham Williams, a cinematographer. They share a deep passion for public service and spirituality.
An avid surfer and yoga practitioner, Tulsi leads a vegetarian lifestyle and often emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and balance. Tulsi Gabbard’s career reflects her dedication to challenging norms and prioritizing principles over party lines. As the first Hindu in Congress and a fierce advocate for peace, her legacy is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering conviction.

If Tulsi Gabbard were to be appointed to a significant intelligence role, such as Director of National Intelligence (DNI), it would likely be due to several factors reflecting her qualifications, experience, and unique perspectives. Although this appointment is hypothetical (as of now, she has not held this position), here are some reasons why she could be considered for such a role: Tulsi Gabbard served as a Major in the Hawaii Army National Guard and was deployed twice to the Middle East. Her direct involvement in military operations and her understanding of on-the-ground realities in conflict zones give her practical knowledge of global security challenges. This background could translate into informed decision-making in intelligence-related matters. Throughout her political career, Tulsi has been vocal about the consequences of U.S. foreign policies, particularly in the Middle East and South Asia. Her anti-interventionist stance and focus on diplomacy reflect a nuanced understanding of global geopolitics. These qualities are critical for someone overseeing intelligence operations that often intersect with international relations.