The Unpredictable Journey of Tulsi Gabbard: From Hawaii Activist to Spy Chief
Early Life and Political Roots
Tulsi Gabbard’s unconventional political career began amidst the spiritual community of the Science of Identity Foundation in Hawaii. Raised by parents devoted to the teachings of Chris Butler, a charismatic guru, Gabbard was exposed to an environment with authoritarian leanings and an opposition to homosexuality.
At a young age, Gabbard’s political path intertwined with her family’s activism. Alongside her parents, she protested against gay marriage rights, shaping her early political views. Her entry into politics was marked by her election to the state legislature and her father’s success as a city councilman.
Military Service and Transformation
Post-9/11, Gabbard’s worldview underwent a significant shift. She joined the Hawaii National Guard and was deployed to Iraq, where the harsh realities of war led her to question her support for the Bush administration’s foreign policy.
Return to Politics and Rise within the Democratic Party
Upon her return from Iraq, Gabbard re-entered politics. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council and gained national recognition in 2012 as a rising star within the Democratic Party. Her charismatic speaking abilities and progressive views captivated many.
Break with the Democratic Establishment
Gabbard’s alignment with the party began to unravel due to her criticism of President Obama’s stance on Islamic terrorism. She endorsed Bernie Sanders in 2016 and gradually drifted leftward. This move placed her on a trajectory that mirrored the "horseshoe shape" of American political populism, where extreme left and right ideologies converge.
Exit from the Democratic Party and Alignment with Trump
Gabbard resigned from the Democratic National Committee in 2019 and launched her presidential campaign. However, her candidacy struggled to gain traction, and she eventually endorsed Joe Biden. Post-election, she officially left the party and pivoted toward aligning with former President Donald Trump.
Appointment as Director of National Intelligence
Gabbard’s unexpected appointment as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) by President Trump raised eyebrows. Her lack of intelligence experience and her unconventional views on foreign policy raised concerns among some in the intelligence community.
Role in Trump’s Agenda
Gabbard’s appointment aligns with Trump’s agenda of targeting disloyal elements within the intelligence community. She has been tasked with conducting reviews to identify and discipline individuals accused of "weaponizing intelligence" during the previous administration.
Implications for US-Russia Relations
Gabbard’s appointment has implications for US-Russia relations. Her previous expressions of sympathy for President Putin and her criticism of NATO’s stance toward Russia suggest a potential shift in the American approach to the adversarial nation.
Conclusion
Tulsi Gabbard’s political journey has been a remarkable one, marked by unpredictable twists and turns. Her current role as DNI raises questions about the future direction of American intelligence and the potential implications for foreign policy, particularly in relation to Russia.
