Tulsi Gabbard, a trailblazing former U.S. Congresswoman and the first Hindu elected to the House of Representatives, has long been a vocal advocate for religious minorities, particularly Hindus, with her commitment to exposing religious persecution and promoting global accountability. This has made her a prominent figure in American politics among Hindu-Americans and human rights advocates worldwide.
People often mistake Gabbard, despite her European and Samoan roots, for being of Indian origin. Her father, Michael Gabbard, the Hawaii State Senator, and her mother, who converted to Hinduism just before Tulsi’s birth, raised her in Hawaii and Florida. Tulsi settled into the Hindu faith during her teenage years.
Gabbard made a powerful statement, shedding light on the atrocities of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, where the Pakistani Army systematically targeted Bengali Hindus, murdering, raping, and forcibly displacing millions due to their faith and ethnicity. Gabbard noted that this persecution continues today, urging world leaders to address the plight of Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh. As a member of Congress, she introduced a resolution calling for the protection of these vulnerable communities.
She also highlighted the alarming erosion of religious diversity in Afghanistan, once home to a rich blend of faiths, stating that today, fewer than 100 Hindus remain in the country, with religious minorities comprising less than 1% of the population. Gabbard called on global leaders to stand against the ideologies that promote such persecution and demanded decisive action to combat extremist movements seeking to erase non-Islamic religions from existence.
Following the 2024 U.S. election, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Gabbard to become the next Director of National Intelligence. If confirmed, she will oversee 17 U.S. intelligence agencies, bringing her fearless and outspoken spirit to one of the nation’s most critical roles. Trump praised Gabbard as a leader who has spent over two decades fighting for freedom and security, stating his confidence in her ability to protect constitutional rights and ensure peace through strength.
Gabbard’s nomination reflects a break from tradition, as she has limited experience yet has detailed knowledge. However, her strong moral convictions and history of standing up for justice suggest she will bring a fresh perspective to the role. As she prepares to lead the U.S. intelligence community, her dedication to religious freedom and global accountability remains central to her mission.
