President-elect Donald Trump has chosen former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as the Director of National Intelligence. Critics argue that Gabbard, who lacks experience with U.S. spy agencies and has a history of promoting Russian disinformation, should be disqualified for the role.
At 43, she served in the Hawaii Army National Guard and was deployed to Iraq. Gabbard has consistently criticized U.S. foreign policy as imperialistic and has previously criticized Trump’s approach to the Middle East, calling it dangerous.
This engaging article examines Tulsi Gabbard’s life and career, exploring the experiences and influences that have made her an important figure in American politics.
Who is Tulsi Gabbard?
Tulsi Gabbard, born Tulsi Gabbard on April 12, 1981, in Leloaloa, Maʻopūtasi County, American Samoa, is an American politician and military officer.
She has served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve since 2021, following her extensive service in the Hawaii Army National Guard from 2003 to 2020. Gabbard is renowned for her tenure as the U.S. Representative for Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2021, making history as the first Samoan-American and Hindu-American elected to Congress.
Her political career includes a notable presidential campaign in the 2020 Democratic primaries, a significant shift to becoming an independent in 2022, and her recent alignment with the Republican Party in 2024.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tulsi Gabbard |
| Date of Birth | April 12, 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Leloaloa, American Samoa |
| Age | 43 years (as of 2024) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Samoan and European |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Education | – Homeschooled |
| – Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Hawaii Pacific University (2009) | |
| Military Service | – Hawaii Army National Guard (2003–2020) |
| – Deployments: Iraq (2004–2005), Kuwait (2008–2009) | |
| – Rank: Lieutenant Colonel (achieved 2021) | |
| Political Career | – Hawaii House of Representatives (2002–2004) |
| – U.S. Representative for Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District (2013–2021) | |
| – Ran for Democratic presidential nomination (2020) | |
| – Left the Democratic Party (2022), joined the Republican Party (2024) | |
| – Nominee for Director of National Intelligence (2024) | |
| Notable Achievements | – First Hindu and Samoan-American elected to Congress |
| – Advocate for non-interventionist foreign policies | |
| Spouse | – Eduardo Tamayo (2002–2006, divorced) |
| – Abraham Williams (married 2015) | |
| Parents | – Father: Mike Gabbard |
| – Mother: Carol Gabbard | |
| Residence | Hawaii |
| Key Focus Areas | – Veterans’ affairs |
| – Non-interventionist foreign policy | |
| – Environmental protection | |
| Recent Role | Nominated by President-elect Donald Trump as Director of National Intelligence (2024) |
Early Life
Tulsi Gabbard was born in the picturesque village of Leloaloa on American Samoa’s main island of Tutuila. As the fourth of five children to Carol and Mike Gabbard, her early years were shaped by a blend of Samoan and European heritage.
When Tulsi was just two years old, her family relocated to Hawaii, where they had previously lived in the late 1970s. This move to Hawaii gave Tulsi a diverse cultural upbringing and immersed her in a community that values tradition and progress.
Her mother, originally from Indiana and raised in Michigan, developed a keen interest in Hinduism, influencing Tulsi and her siblings by giving them Hindu names. “Tulsi” is the Sanskrit word for holy basil, revered as an earthly manifestation of the goddess Tulasi.
Her childhood in Hawaii was marked by activities that fostered physical and mental discipline. Surfing, martial arts, and yoga were integral parts of her daily routine, instilling a sense of balance and resilience. Tulsi’s engagement with the Bhagavad Gita and the teachings of SIF, a Hawaii-based Vaishnava Hindu organization connected with ISKCON, further deepened her spiritual and ethical perspectives.
Education
Tulsi’s education was unconventional; she was primarily homeschooled through high school, which allowed for a tailored and flexible learning environment. This homeschooling period was pivotal, enabling her to pursue interests in surfing, martial arts, and yoga—activities that contributed to her physical fitness and mental fortitude.
In 2002, at 21, Tulsi boldly decided to leave Leeward Community College, where she was studying television production, to enter politics. Her decision was influenced by the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, which ignited her passion for public service and policy-making. Tulsi’s early involvement with political organizations, including Stand Up For America (SUFA), founded by her father, and The Alliance for Traditional Marriage and Values, an anti-gay marriage political action committee, provided her with a foundation in political activism and advocacy.
In 2009, Tulsi graduated from Hawaii Pacific University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, concentrating on International Business. Her academic achievements and early political engagement set the stage for her future military and political endeavors.
Military Service
Tulsi Gabbard’s commitment to service led her to enlist in the Hawaii Army National Guard in 2003. Her military career was characterized by dedication and bravery, later defining her political persona. Tulsi underwent rigorous training, mastering skills beyond combat, including strategic planning and crisis management.
From 2004 to 2005, she served in Iraq, stationed at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, where she coordinated medical units. Her role involved ensuring the readiness and efficiency of medical teams, a responsibility that underscored her leadership capabilities. In 2008, Tulsi was deployed again to Kuwait, where she played a crucial role in emergency response operations, further honing her crisis management and operational coordination skills.
Her exemplary service earned her the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve in 2021, a testament to her leadership and commitment to national security.
Tulsi Gabbard Political Career
In 2002, Tulsi Gabbard successfully ran for the Hawaii House of Representatives at 21. This victory made her the youngest woman ever elected to a U.S. state legislature at that time. Representing Hawaii’s 42nd district, Tulsi focused on environmental protection, opposing same-sex marriage—a stance would later see a significant shift in her political trajectory.
Honolulu City Council
In 2010, Tulsi expanded her political influence by winning a seat on the Honolulu City Council. Her tenure was marked by advocacy for sustainable development, improved urban planning, and enhanced infrastructure for Honolulu.
Her work on the city council gave her valuable experience in legislative processes and community engagement, preparing her for a future role in national politics. Tulsi’s focus on sustainable urban development and infrastructure improvement showcased her dedication to creating resilient and thriving communities.
Election to Congress
In 2012, Tulsi Gabbard set her sights on the national stage by running for the U.S. House of Representatives in New York’s 2nd congressional district.
Her campaign emphasized strong defense funding, support for local industries, and a commitment to bipartisan cooperation. Despite representing one of the largest districts by area in New York, covering much of the Adirondacks and North Country, Tulsi secured her seat by appealing to both traditional conservatives and moderate voters.
Her election made her the first Samoan-American and Hindu-American elected to Congress.
As a member of Congress, Tulsi served on several key committees that aligned with her interests and expertise:
- House Armed Services Committee: Tulsi advocated for increased defense spending and support for military installations like Fort Drum, a major military base in her district.
- House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Tulsi played a role in overseeing national security and intelligence operations, leveraging her military experience to contribute to discussions on national defense and intelligence strategies.
- Committee on Education and the Workforce: Focusing on improving workforce training and reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses, Tulsi created an environment fostering economic growth and job creation.
Legislative Achievements
Tulsi’s legislative efforts were concentrated on several key areas, reflecting her diverse interests and commitment to her constituents:
- Veterans Affairs: Tulsi championed initiatives for better healthcare and services for veterans. She co-sponsored the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2013, which aimed to enhance educational benefits for veterans, providing them with greater opportunities for career advancement and personal development.
- Foreign Policy: Known for her non-interventionist stance, Tulsi advocated against U.S. military involvement in Iraq and Syria, emphasizing diplomacy over war. Her positions often put her at odds with more hawkish party members but resonated with constituents weary of prolonged military engagements. Tulsi’s foreign policy initiatives focused on reducing military expenditures and reallocating resources toward domestic priorities and humanitarian efforts.
- Environmental Protection: Tulsi supported renewable energy initiatives and preserving Hawaii’s natural resources. Her commitment to environmental issues was rooted in her upbringing in Hawaii and her early political focus on sustainability. She advocated for policies that promote clean energy, reduce carbon emissions, and protect endangered ecosystems, aligning with broader national efforts to combat climate change.
- Healthcare: Initially a proponent of Medicare-for-All, Tulsi’s stance evolved to support a public option, reflecting her pragmatic approach to healthcare reform. She worked towards expanding access to affordable healthcare, reducing prescription drug prices, and improving healthcare infrastructure, aiming to create a more equitable and efficient healthcare system.
- Criminal Justice Reform: Tulsi introduced legislation to end federal marijuana prohibition, aligning with a growing bipartisan consensus on the need for criminal justice reform. Her efforts in this area focused on reducing incarceration rates for non-violent offenses, promoting rehabilitation programs, and addressing systemic inequalities within the criminal justice system.
Presidential Campaign
In January 2019, Tulsi Gabbard announced her candidacy for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Her campaign focused on ending “regime change wars,” advocating for comprehensive healthcare reform, and addressing climate change through a transition to renewable energy. Tulsi’s platform emphasized a return to America’s founding principles, prioritizing diplomacy over military intervention and promoting civil liberties.
- End “Regime Change Wars”: Tulsi advocated for significantly reducing U.S. military interventions abroad, arguing that these actions drained resources and cost American lives without achieving lasting peace. She called for a shift towards diplomacy, negotiation, and strategic alliances to address global conflicts, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and peaceful solutions.
- Healthcare Reform: Initially supporting Medicare-for-All, Tulsi shifted to a public option, reflecting her pragmatic approach to expanding healthcare access. She aimed to make healthcare more affordable and accessible, reduce prescription drug prices, and improve the quality of care, ensuring that all Americans have access to necessary medical services.
- Climate Action: Tulsi proposed transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2035, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to combat climate change. Her plan included investing in clean energy technologies, creating green jobs, and reducing the nation’s carbon footprint, aligning with global efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.
- Civil Liberties: She criticized the Patriot Act and mass surveillance programs, advocating for stronger individual privacy and civil liberties protections. Tulsi emphasized the importance of safeguarding personal freedoms while maintaining national security and promoting a balanced approach to governance.
In March 2020, facing stiff competition and a fragmented primary race, Tulsi Gabbard withdrew her candidacy and endorsed Joe Biden for the presidency. Her endorsement was seen as a move to unify the party behind a single candidate despite the lingering tensions over her previous stances.
Leaving the Democratic Party
In October 2022, Tulsi Gabbard made headlines by leaving the Democratic Party, citing ideological differences and expressing frustration with the party’s embrace of “woke” policies and excessive government control.
Declaring herself independent, Tulsi sought to carve out a political identity aligned more closely with her non-interventionism and fiscal conservatism principles. Her departure from the Democratic Party was a significant shift, reflecting her evolving political beliefs and desire to distance herself from party orthodoxy.
Joining the Republican Party
In 2024, Tulsi took another significant step by joining the Republican Party.
This move was underscored by her strong support for Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, particularly on national security and economic policy issues. Her alignment with Republican values on fiscal responsibility and limited government resonated with her evolving political stance, positioning her as a bridge between diverse ideological groups within the party. This transition to the Republican Party marked a new chapter in her political career, signaling her readiness to engage with different policy priorities and partisan dynamics.
Nomination as Director of National Intelligence
In November 2024, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Tulsi Gabbard as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). This nomination marked a significant shift, positioning Tulsi in a role that oversees the entire U.S. intelligence community, including agencies like the CIA, NSA, and FBI. Her military background and legislative experience on intelligence and defense committees made her a compelling candidate for the role.
As DNI, Tulsi would coordinate intelligence efforts across various agencies, ensuring that information is effectively shared and utilized to inform national security decisions. Her leadership could steer the intelligence community towards greater transparency, efficiency, and strategic focus, addressing contemporary threats such as cyber warfare, global terrorism, and emerging geopolitical tensions.
Personal Life
At 21, in 2002, she married Eduardo Tamayo, a relationship that lasted until 2006. The marriage ended amicably, with Tulsi citing the stresses of military deployment as a primary reason for the divorce.
2015 Tulsi married Abraham Williams, a freelance cinematographer and editor. Their marriage, a traditional Vedic wedding ceremony, symbolizes her deep-rooted spiritual beliefs and cultural heritage.
Tulsi and Abraham have faced personal challenges, including struggles with infertility, leading them to undergo several in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures without success. Despite these challenges, the couple remains resilient, focusing on their commitment to each other and their shared values.
Spiritual and Cultural Identity
Raised in a household that embraced Vaishnava Hinduism, she continues to practice morning yoga and meditation, fostering mental and physical well-being. Her multicultural heritage and spiritual beliefs have been a source of strength, shaping her approach to politics and public service.
Tulsi’s deep connection to the Bhagavad Gita, which she presented to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the United States, underscores her commitment to spiritual and ethical values in governance.
Tulsi Gabbard’s Measurements
Tulsi Gabbard presents herself with confidence and poise, embodying the professionalism expected of a high-ranking politician and military officer. Her physical presence complements her active lifestyle and disciplined demeanor.
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 128 pounds (58 kg) |
| Body Measurements | 37-26-38 inches (94-66-97 cm) |
| Bra Size | 34C |
| Dress Size | 6 (US) |
| Shoe Size | 8.5 (US) |
These measurements are based on publicly available information.
Net Worth
In 2018, Tulsi Gabbard’s financial disclosure painted a modest picture, listing her net worth at just $36,003—surprisingly low for a rising political star. However, by 2020, a Forbes investigation revealed a more promising financial status, estimating her net worth at around $500,000.
In 2024, with her growing prominence in politics, military service, and likely expanded income streams, Tulsi Gabbard’s net worth has undoubtedly seen a significant boost, marking her evolution from humble beginnings to a figure of influence.
