Tulsi Gabbard, former Democratic Congresswoman from Hawai’i and a 2020 presidential contender, has seen a political transformation that few could have predicted. In a bold move, she switched parties in 2022, aligning herself with the Republican Party and its “MAGA” movement. Despite her American roots, Gabbard’s life journey has been significantly shaped by her connection to Hinduism, a faith she embraced long before her political shift.
As a prominent public figure, Gabbard’s appointment as President-elect Donald Trump’s Director of National Intelligence (DNI) on November 13, 2024, has garnered attention for more than just her political allegiances. The announcement, made through Trump’s Truth Social platform, celebrated her unwavering commitment to constitutional values and her fearless approach to governance. Trump praised her for being a bold, dedicated leader who would help secure the nation’s interests with strength and constitutional integrity.
But Gabbard’s story transcends her political affiliations. Born in American Samoa and raised in Hawai’i, she grew up surrounded by both Western and Eastern influences. Her family’s embrace of Hinduism played a pivotal role in shaping her worldview and values. Gabbard’s introduction to the religion began at a young age, influenced by her father, Mike Gabbard, who had already become a well-known advocate for Hindu teachings.
During her youth, Gabbard found herself drawn to Hinduism’s emphasis on personal responsibility, self-discipline, and spirituality. Her connection to the religion deepened as she encountered its philosophy through the teachings of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), which she became involved with during her teenage years. Gabbard’s immersion in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture, profoundly impacted her thinking. She saw the text not only as a guide to spirituality but also as a manual for leadership and resilience.
Hinduism provided Gabbard with a unique framework for understanding politics, governance, and diplomacy. She often credits the values she learned from the religion as central to her political outlook. The focus on selfless service, non-attachment to outcomes, and respect for all living beings were values she took to heart, which later influenced her stance on various policy issues, including military intervention and foreign diplomacy. Gabbard’s anti-war stance, particularly her opposition to the Iraq War, can be seen as a reflection of her deeply-held spiritual beliefs, which prioritize peace and non-violence.
Though she faced initial skepticism from some quarters of the Hindu community when entering politics, Gabbard steadily earned their respect by remaining true to her faith. Her faithfulness to Hindu practices, such as vegetarianism and meditation, also helped her build rapport with spiritual leaders and organizations across the world. Notably, Gabbard’s connection to Hinduism has remained central to her identity even as she navigated the political landscape in the United States. Her public displays of Hindu worship, such as chanting mantras and visiting holy sites, have become a significant part of her persona.
Her growing alignment with the Republican Party, however, raised eyebrows among some of her earlier supporters within the Democratic Party and the Hindu community. Despite this, Gabbard maintained her commitment to Hindu principles, even as her political trajectory moved further right. Her move to the Republican Party coincided with her efforts to advocate for constitutional values, a cause she believed resonated with her Hindu upbringing, which emphasized the protection of individual rights.
Now, as Trump’s nominee for DNI, Gabbard’s appointment represents a new chapter in her career. It brings her back into the public eye as a figure who blends Eastern spirituality with Western political ideology. Gabbard’s personal transformation from a Democratic congresswoman to a Republican ally of Trump is a testament to her unwavering sense of self and her ability to adapt her beliefs to changing political environments. Her life story is one of cultural fusion, where Hinduism has shaped her approach to leadership, guiding her journey from an American political outsider to a key player in Trump’s administration.
Her appointment as Director of National Intelligence is sure to spark discussion, not just about her politics but also about how her faith and values will influence her role in safeguarding American interests on the global stage. For Gabbard, this appointment is not just a career milestone but also a continuation of her journey—a journey deeply rooted in Hinduism’s teachings of duty, service, and resilience.
Tulsi Gabbard’s appointment as Director of National Intelligence has stirred a wide range of reactions, particularly due to her unique blend of political stances and deeply personal faith. While she is recognized as an outspoken advocate for Hindu values, her current role within the Trump administration underscores the ongoing intersection of faith, politics, and governance in her life. Gabbard’s path has never been a typical one, and it is her unwavering commitment to her principles—both spiritual and political—that has set her apart.
One notable aspect of Gabbard’s leadership style, rooted in her Hindu beliefs, is her focus on service over self-interest. In Hinduism, the concept of “seva,” or selfless service, is central. This principle has guided Gabbard in her approach to both her political career and her personal life. Throughout her time in public office, she has often emphasized the importance of serving the people, rather than seeking power for its own sake. It is this commitment to serving others that likely shaped her decision to pivot from a career in the Democratic Party to one in alignment with the Republican ideology, a shift that many saw as unexpected.
Furthermore, Gabbard’s relationship with Hinduism also informs her approach to foreign policy. Her advocacy for non-interventionism and a focus on diplomacy reflects key elements of her spiritual philosophy. For Gabbard, Hindu teachings on non-violence (Ahimsa) and the sanctity of life play a major role in shaping her stance on military engagement and global peace efforts. She has been a vocal critic of U.S. military interventions in countries like Iraq and Syria, arguing that such actions have often resulted in more harm than good. This viewpoint mirrors the Hindu understanding that actions driven by aggression can lead to undesirable karmic consequences.
Her faith also contributes to her emphasis on mental well-being and personal development, values that are increasingly discussed in the political realm. Through her practice of meditation, yoga, and mindfulness—practices deeply rooted in Hindu traditions—Gabbard has highlighted the importance of mental clarity and emotional regulation, which are essential qualities for any effective leader. Her public support for such practices resonates with the growing global interest in mental health and self-care, particularly in high-pressure environments like politics.
Despite her switch to the Republican Party, Gabbard’s commitment to her Hindu identity has never wavered. It serves as a grounding force that allows her to navigate the political landscape without losing sight of the principles she values most. Her ability to blend her spiritual convictions with her role in American politics is perhaps one of the most unique aspects of her public persona. Gabbard stands as an example of how personal faith can influence one’s professional trajectory, offering a rare insight into how Hinduism can coexist with Western political ideologies.
In her new role as DNI, Gabbard will face the daunting challenge of overseeing U.S. intelligence operations at a time when global security dynamics are increasingly complex. Her ability to remain calm under pressure and make decisions rooted in principles of integrity and service, qualities she attributes to her Hindu faith, will likely be put to the test. Gabbard’s story is one of resilience, self-awareness, and an ongoing commitment to personal growth—both spiritually and professionally.
Her unique journey, shaped by her faith and political evolution, has already begun to capture the attention of not only her supporters but also those curious about the intersection of religion and politics. As Gabbard continues to forge her path, it is clear that her life will be a testament to the idea that politics, leadership, and faith do not have to be separate realms but can work in concert to create meaningful change. In the years to come, her leadership will likely serve as a model for how personal conviction and political responsibility can align in powerful ways, driven by a commitment to service, peace, and resilience.