Tulsi Gabbard born April 12, 1981 is an American politician, U.S. Army Reserve officer, and political commentator. She served as the U.S. Representative for Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2021 and was the first Samoan-American member of Congress. Gabbard began her political career in 2002 when, at the age of 21, she became the youngest woman ever elected to the Hawaii state legislature. She later ran in the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries. In 2022, Gabbard left the Democratic Party to become an independent and officially joined the Republican Party in 2025. Gabbard’s military service began in 2003 when she joined the Hawaii Army National Guard, deploying to Iraq from 2004 to 2005 as part of a field medical unit. She went on to complete officer training in 2007 at the Alabama Military Academy, graduating as a distinguished honor graduate. Gabbard served as a platoon leader in Kuwait from 2008 to 2009 before rising to the rank of Major in the Hawaii Army National Guard in 2015. In 2020, she transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve, where she was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 2021.
Tulsi Gabbard Biography 2025
During her tenure in Congress, Gabbard was an outspoken critic of Islamic terrorism, often challenging the Obama administration’s stance on Islamic extremism. She also served as Vice-Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) from 2013 to 2016, before resigning to endorse Bernie Sanders in the 2016 Democratic presidential race. In 2017, Gabbard voiced skepticism about U.S. military interventions in Syria. In her 2020 presidential campaign, she positioned herself as an opponent of military interventionism, while maintaining a strong stance on countering terrorism. After ending her presidential bid, she endorsed Joe Biden in March 2020. After leaving Congress in January 2021, Gabbard shifted towards more conservative positions on issues such as abortion, foreign policy, transgender rights, and border security. She became a frequent guest on Fox News, even hosting for Tucker Carlson Tonight. In October 2022, Gabbard announced she was leaving the Democratic Party, citing disagreements over foreign policy and social issues. She subsequently campaigned for Republican candidates in the 2022 midterm elections and spoke at that year’s Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).
In August 2025, Gabbard endorsed former President Donald Trump for the 2025 presidential election, speaking at the National Guard Association conference. She also became an honorary co-chair of Trump’s 2025 presidential transition team and is widely expected to be nominated as Director of National Intelligence.
Tulsi Gabbard Biography Details
| Born |
Tulsi Gabbard
April 12, 1981 (age 43)
Leloaloa, American Samoa |
| Other names |
Tulsi Gabbard Tamayo |
| Political party |
Republican (2025–present) |
Other political
affiliations |
Democratic (1999–2022)
Independent (2022–2025) |
| Spouses |
|
| Parent |
|
| Relatives |
Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard (aunt) |
| Education |
Hawaii Pacific University (BS) |
Tulsi Gabbard Early Life
Gabbard was born on April 12, 1981, in Leloaloa, Maʻopūtasi County, on the island of Tutuila in American Samoa. She was the fourth of five children to Carol (née Porter) and Mike Gabbard. When she was two, the family moved to Hawaii, where they had previously lived in the late 1970s. Gabbard has both Samoan and European ancestry and was raised in a multicultural household. Her mother, originally from Indiana, became interested in Hinduism after moving to Hawaii, and the family adopted the Hindu faith. Gabbard’s first name, “Tulsi,” is derived from the Sanskrit word for holy basil, which is associated with the goddess Tulasi.
Growing up in Hawaii, Gabbard’s childhood was influenced by activities like surfing, martial arts, and yoga, alongside the spiritual teachings of Karma and the Bhagavad Gita. She was homeschooled for part of her education and also attended an all-girls boarding school in the Philippines for two years. As a teenager, she became deeply involved in the Hindu faith, especially through the Science of Identity Foundation, a Vaishnava Hindu group linked to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
Before entering politics, Gabbard worked for various organizations, including Stand Up For America (SUFA), a group founded by her father after the September 11 attacks, and The Alliance for Traditional Marriage and Values, an organization dedicated to preventing the legalization of same-sex marriage in Hawaii. She was also involved with The Healthy Hawai’i Coalition, an environmental organization. In 2002, Gabbard, then a martial arts instructor, dropped out of Leeward Community College, where she was studying television production, to run for the Hawaii House of Representatives. At 21, she became the youngest woman ever elected to the state legislature. In 2009, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business from Hawaii Pacific University.
Tulsi Gabbard Bio
| Details |
Description |
| Full Name |
Tulsi Gabbard |
| Date of Birth |
April 12, 1981 |
| Birthplace |
Leloaloa, American Samoa |
| Ethnicity |
Samoan and European ancestry |
| Education |
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Hawaii Pacific University |
| Major Influence |
Hinduism, Bhagavad Gita principles |
Political Career and Major Roles
| Position |
Years of Service |
| U.S. Representative |
2013 – 2021 |
| Vice Chair of DNC |
2013 – 2016 |
| Honolulu City Council Member |
2011 – 2012 |
| Hawaii House of Representatives |
2002 – 2004 |
| Presidential Candidate |
2020 Democratic Primaries |
Military Service
| Branch of Service |
Years of Service |
| U.S. Army |
2003 – Present |
| Rank |
Lieutenant Colonel |
| Deployment Locations |
Iraq, Kuwait, Horn of Africa |
| Key Achievements |
Combat Medical Badge, Meritorious Service Medal |
Political Positions
| Issue |
Stance |
| Military Intervention |
Opposes regime change wars, advocates for counterterrorism |
| Abortion |
Anti-abortion stance |
| Drug Policy |
Advocates for marijuana legalization and drug decriminalization |
| Transgender Rights |
Opposes certain rights and policies for transgender individuals |
| Foreign Policy |
Criticizes U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts |
Key Milestones in Gabbard Military Career
| Milestone |
Details |
| Enlistment |
Joined Hawaii Army National Guard in 2003 |
| Iraq Deployment |
Deployed in 2004 for 12 months |
| Promotion to Major |
October 12, 2015 |
| Lieutenant Colonel Rank |
Promoted in 2021 |
Shift in Political Party Affiliation
| Event |
Years |
| Democratic Party |
Member from 1999 to 2022 |
| Independent Status |
Became Independent in 2022 |
| Republican Party |
Joined in 2025 |
Gabbard Presidential Campaign in 2020
| Aspect |
Details |
| Campaign Focus |
Anti-war stance, opposition to military intervention |
| Endorsement |
Endorsed Joe Biden after exiting the race |
| Platform |
Progressive on social issues, conservative on foreign policy |
Advocacy and Social Issues
| Issue |
Position |
| Veterans Affairs |
Advocates for veterans’ rights, healthcare, and support |
| LGBTQ+ Rights |
Opposes same-sex marriage during early years, later moderates |
| Human Trafficking |
Advocates for policies to combat human trafficking |
Relationship with India and Hinduism
| Event |
Information |
| Meeting with PM Modi |
Presented the Bhagavad Gita to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi |
| Diwali Celebrations |
Participated in Diwali celebrations with the Indian-American community |
| Hindu Faith |
Follows Vaishnava Hinduism, with a focus on Karma and Dharma |
Gabbard Role in the Republican Party
| Event |
Details |
| Endorsement of Donald Trump |
Supported Trump in the 2025 Presidential race |
| Role in Trump’s Transition Team |
Honorary co-chair for the 2025 transition |
Gabbard Views on U.S. Foreign Policy
| Issue |
Position |
| Regime Change Wars |
Strongly opposes, calls them counterproductive |
| Middle East Conflict |
Advocates for a non-interventionist approach |
| Relations with Russia and China |
Criticizes New Cold War and arms race |
Gabbard Social Media and Public Presence
| Platform |
Engagement |
| Twitter |
Frequently comments on military and political issues |
| Fox News |
Regular appearances as a guest and host |
| CPAC |
Delivered keynote speeches at Conservative Political Action Conferences |
Recognition and Awards
| Award |
Details |
| John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award |
Received for her efforts on behalf of veterans |
| Friend of the National Parks Award |
Received from the National Parks Conservation Association |
| Ho’ola Na Pua Advocacy Award |
Awarded for advocating against human trafficking |
Personal Life and Beliefs
| Belief System |
Facts |
| Religious Affiliation |
Follows Vaishnava Hinduism, influenced by Bhagavad Gita |
| Personal Practices |
Practices yoga and meditation daily |
| Dietary Preferences |
Vegetarian, some sources report vegan |
Gabbard Future Prospects in Politics
| Event |
Details |
| Director of National Intelligence |
Gabbard is rumored to be the nominee for this role in Trump’s 2025 administration |
| Role in Republican Party |
Continues to strengthen her influence within the GOP |
Tulsi Gabbard Net Worth
Tulsi Gabbard has a net worth of $29 million.
Tulsi Gabbard Summary
Tulsi Gabbard is a figure who has consistently defied political norms, evolving from a progressive Democrat to a Republican in a short span. Her military background, coupled with her outspoken views on foreign policy and social issues, has shaped her political persona. With her recent endorsement of Donald Trump and expected role in his 2025 transition team, Gabbard is poised to influence the future direction of U.S. politics, particularly in the realms of national security, veterans’ affairs, and conservative values.
