An investigation by The Washington Post has delved into the connections between Tulsi Gabbard, a former member of Congress and once Director of National Intelligence under President Donald Trump, and Chris Butler, the leader of the Science of Identity Foundation (SIF). Gabbard described Butler as her guru at one point, raising questions about his influence on her political decisions.
Butler’s Influence on Gabbard’s Political Decisions
The report suggested that Butler may have influenced Gabbard’s political messaging from 2011 to 2017, covering most of her first two congressional terms. Internal documents provided by Rebecca Saltzburg, a former SIF member, indicated that Butler’s guidance may have shaped Gabbard’s policies and public statements during her time in Congress.
These documents, reportedly filled with memos, outlined expected policy positions and provided specific directives. The Washington Post noted instances where Gabbard’s statements between 2014 and 2016 echoed the talking points in these memos.
Responses and Reactions
Newsweek sought comments from Gabbard’s office and SIF, but responses were not available at the time of the inquiry. Gabbard’s chief of staff addressed the allegations, dismissing them as attacks rooted in anti-Hindu sentiment. The statement labeled the allegations as part of a failed extortion attempt by a former volunteer.
“Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu religious bigotry, that’s all this is,” a representative for the SIF commented. They rejected the notion that religious connections imply coercive influence.
Chris Butler and Tulsi Gabbard’s Background
Butler, known as Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa, founded his organization in 1977, attracting followers through teachings of Krishnaism and meditation. The organization espouses strict lifestyle practices and has members globally, mainly in Hawaii, Australia, and Southeast Asia.
Critics have sometimes described SIF as cult-like, although the group denies such allegations. Butler is known for his reclusive nature, engaging with followers primarily through recordings.
Gabbard’s relationship with Butler spans back to her childhood, as her parents were involved with SIF. She has publicly acknowledged Butler’s influence on her religious practices, referring to him as her ‘spiritual master’ during a 2015 address celebrating the Hare Krishna movement.
Gabbard’s Political Path
Raised in Hawaii, Gabbard began her political career at 21, elected to Hawaii’s House of Representatives. Her time as a state lawmaker was cut short due to her National Guard deployment to Iraq. Later, she served as the first Hindu member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Hawaii as a Democrat from 2013 to 2021. Her congressional career was marked by a willingness to challenge her party’s leadership.
Gabbard ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 but later supported Joe Biden. She then backed Trump in 2024 and served briefly as his Director of National Intelligence before stepping down due to her husband’s health issues.
The Documents and Claims
Saltzburg supplied over 25,000 pages of documents, mainly memos attached to emails. While Butler’s name wasn’t directly mentioned, people close to Gabbard received them, forming Butler’s ‘political team.’ This team included Gabbard’s parents, highlighting the close ties within the group.
An instance detailed in a 2014 memo urged Gabbard to lead on legislation against the Islamic State, mirroring a bill she introduced a week later. Another memo provided talking points nearly replicated in a TV interview.
Saltzburg had also reportedly demanded $250,000 to cover a legal incident, implying that exposure of the internal documents could harm Butler and Gabbard’s reputations.
Voices from Former Members
Robin Marshall, a previous SIF member, described Gabbard as groomed for political prominence to serve Butler’s influence. Marshall recalled strict and unusual organizational practices and criticized some experiences she had, although she never met Butler personally.
This coverage of Gabbard’s political journey and influences includes reporting contributions from the Associated Press.