Tulsi Gabbard is a name that stands out in American politics, often sparking curiosity about her background and her recent shift in political alignment. Known for her previous role as a Congresswoman and her recent endorsement of Donald Trump’s presidential bid, Tulsi has made waves with her appointment as Director of Intelligence under Trump. Her rise to such a prominent position has put her at the center of public attention. But who exactly is Tulsi Gabbard?
Early Life and Background
Despite the assumption by some that Tulsi might have an Indian connection, her heritage is actually Samoan-American. Born in American Samoa’s main island, Tutuila, she is also part European due to her father’s ancestry. Tulsi grew up in Hawaii, which played a significant role in shaping her values and beliefs.
Her journey in politics began early when, at the age of 21, she became the youngest woman elected to Hawaii’s state legislature. Over the years, Tulsi went on to serve in Congress from 2013 to 2021. Apart from her political career, she also had a distinguished military service, which included being deployed in Iraq.
Political Evolution: From Democrat to Republican
Tulsi’s political journey is marked by several significant shifts. She was initially a Democrat, even running for the Democratic Presidential nomination in 2020. However, she withdrew from the race and later endorsed Joe Biden. In 2022, she left the Democratic Party and identified as an independent before making a recent transition to the Republican Party.
Her Hindu Connection
Tulsi’s spiritual journey is deeply influenced by her upbringing in Hawaii. Her mother, Carol, was introduced to Hinduism, and this had a lasting impact on Tulsi’s life. The family embraced Hindu traditions, with Tulsi and her siblings given Hindu names. Tulsi was raised with the teachings of the Science of Identity Foundation (SIF), a Vaishnava Hindu organization associated with ISKCON. Reports also suggest that she read the Bhagavad Gita in her early years, which helped shape her worldview.
Tulsi Gabbard’s journey from Congresswoman to Republican appointee reflects her unique political path and spiritual beliefs, making her one of the more intriguing figures in American politics today.