Tulsi Gabbard is an American politician, military veteran, and former U.S. Representative who has made a significant impact on American politics over the last decade. She became widely known for her unique positions on foreign policy, her non-interventionist stance, and her historic role as the first Hindu member of the U.S. Congress. Gabbard’s political career has been marked by her willingness to challenge the status quo, earning both admiration and criticism from various political factions.
1. Early Life and Military Service
Born on April 12, 1981, in Leloaloa, American Samoa, Tulsi Gabbard was raised in Hawaii in a multi-religious, multicultural family. Her father, Mike Gabbard, was a state senator, and her mother, Carol Gabbard, was active in local educational matters. From a young age, Tulsi embraced her Hindu faith, which would later play a significant role in shaping her identity in American politics.
Gabbard enlisted in the Hawaii Army National Guard in 2003 and served two tours of duty in the Middle East, including Iraq. Her military service has been central to her public persona, shaping her views on foreign policy and giving her a perspective grounded in personal experience with the consequences of war. Gabbard has consistently advocated for veterans’ rights and a more restrained U.S. foreign policy.
2. Political Career: From State Legislature to Congress
Tulsi Gabbard began her political career early, becoming the youngest woman ever elected to the Hawaii State Legislature at the age of 21 in 2002. She served as a state representative until she was deployed to Iraq in 2004.
In 2013, Gabbard was elected to represent Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the first Samoan-American and the first Hindu member of Congress. During her time in Congress, she served on the House Armed Services Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee, positions that allowed her to influence military and foreign policy matters directly.
3. Foreign Policy and Anti-War Stance
Gabbard is perhaps best known for her outspoken criticism of U.S. military interventions overseas. She has consistently advocated for a non-interventionist foreign policy, opposing regime-change wars and calling for a more diplomatic approach to international conflicts. Gabbard’s “America First” rhetoric on foreign policy sometimes aligned her with more conservative views, which set her apart from many in the Democratic Party.
In 2017, she faced criticism for meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during a fact-finding trip to Syria, which she defended as necessary for understanding the conflict and pushing for peace.
4. Presidential Run in 2020
In 2019, Tulsi Gabbard launched a bid for the Democratic nomination for President in the 2020 election. Her campaign focused on her anti-war message, criminal justice reform, and the need for environmental sustainability. Gabbard positioned herself as an outsider willing to challenge the political establishment.
Her campaign gained significant attention during the Democratic debates, particularly when she criticized Kamala Harris for her record as a prosecutor. Despite the attention, Gabbard struggled to gain widespread support within the Democratic base and suspended her campaign in March 2020, endorsing Joe Biden after she withdrew from the race.
5. Controversial Moments
Throughout her political career, Gabbard has faced controversy. Her early opposition to same-sex marriage in the 2000s, which she later apologized for and renounced, caused friction with progressives. Her foreign policy views, including her skepticism of U.S. involvement in conflicts like Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, have led to both support from anti-war advocates and sharp criticism from establishment politicians.
Her frequent appearances on conservative media, including Fox News, and her willingness to speak critically about both the Democratic and Republican parties have led some to view her as a political maverick who defies easy categorization.
6. Departure from the Democratic Party
In October 2022, Tulsi Gabbard made headlines by announcing her decision to leave the Democratic Party, citing its drift toward what she described as an “elitist cabal of warmongers.” Gabbard’s departure from the party was the culmination of years of growing distance between her and the Democratic establishment, particularly on issues of national security, free speech, and the handling of COVID-19 policies.
Since leaving the Democratic Party, Gabbard has positioned herself as an independent voice in American politics, focusing on issues like government overreach, the need for civil liberties, and the importance of avoiding foreign entanglements.
7. Post-Congress and Public Life
After serving in Congress from 2013 to 2021, Gabbard transitioned into public speaking and media work. She hosts a podcast and makes regular media appearances to discuss her views on U.S. politics, foreign policy, and personal freedom. Gabbard remains a vocal critic of what she perceives as excessive government intervention, particularly in the areas of healthcare mandates and military involvement.
Conclusion
Tulsi Gabbard’s political career is defined by her independent thinking, her commitment to non-interventionist foreign policy, and her willingness to challenge both the Democratic and Republican establishments. While her positions have made her a controversial figure, they have also earned her a loyal following among those who share her views on reducing U.S. military involvement overseas and protecting individual freedoms. As she continues to navigate the political landscape outside of the traditional party system, Gabbard remains a unique and influential voice in American politics.