Tulsi Gabbard has made history by becoming the United States’ Director of National Intelligence (DNI), marking an achievement as the first Hindu to hold the position. Her confirmation by the Senate was secured with a 52–48 vote.
Despite ongoing investigation into her ties to the Science of Identity Foundation ( SIF), a religious organization frequently referred to as an offshoot of the Hare Krishna movement, Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as Director of National Intelligence has been confirmed. The firm, founded by Chris Butler, has long been the subject of discussion due to its strict order, cult-like devotion to Butler, and alleged hatred toward LGBTQ people, ladies, and Muslims.
Read: Did English daily visit ISCKON or Hinduism an’ mysterious cult’?
Gabbard’s Ties to the Science of Identity Foundation
Former Democratic congressman from Hawaii Gabbard has long been questioned about her relation to SIF. She was raised in the class, and her parents, Hawaii State Senator Mike Gabbard, has also been linked to it. During her children, she apparently regarded Butler as a religious leader, though she afterwards distanced herself from the business, emphasizing her broader Hindu beliefs.
Detractors have raised concerns about the amount of Butler’s effect on Gabbard’s political career. Some former SIF members claim that Butler constantly influenced her political development as she grew in power. Her 2020 presidential campaign even drew attention, with some seeing it as a car for the party to obtain political fame.
Around 2020, some commentators brought up the SIF, which was the subject of Tulsi Gabbard’s youth connection with the organization. Gabbard, a member for the Democratic candidacy in the 2020 United States presidential election, officially referred to Chris Butler, the head of SIF, as her religious link during her college years. Her father, Mike Gabbard, a Hawaii State Senator, has also been linked to SIF and is known for his opposition to same-sex relationship, framing religion as a tool against sexual techniques SIF considers “deviant”. Gabbard’s mother, Carol Gabbard, served as the organisation’s manager.
Butler has been blatantly referred to as Gabbard’s religious guide or “guru.” Her home is apparently deeply ingrained in the organization’s structure, which apparently dates back to her upbringing. Dr. Caroline Sinavaiana Gabbard, Abbott’s uncle, has been open about the party’s impact on her sister, criticizing Butler’s involvement in her life and accusing him of helping him advance his own agenda.
Detractors allege that Butler played a major role in Gabbard’s 2020 presidential campaign, which some saw as an effort to gain a foothold in national elections. Gambard’s critics have expressed concerns about how her religious affiliation may affect her ability to make wise decisions in a senior intelligence position.
Existing Views
Tulsi Gabbard has since stated that she viewed Butler primarily as a Vaishnava Hindu pastor during her college times. She totally embraced Hinduism and joined the Vaishnava traditions, which emphasizes devotion to the Supreme Lord, when she was a teen. Gabbard identifies as a Vaishnava Hindu and generally engages in Hindu events, quite as Diwali, alongside Hindu-American areas.
