Amna Abbasi
amnawasimabbasi@gmail.com
Tulsi Gabbard, who describes herself as a “karma yogi” and has transitioned from being a former Democratic leader to aligning with Republican circles, was appointed as Director of National Intelligence during the era of Donald Trump in 2025–2026. This is a highly powerful position overseeing U.S. intelligence agencies.In the past, she has spoken about peace, diversity, the “aloha spirit,” and criticized the “pro-war elite” and “cowardly wokeism.” In 2022, she resigned from the Democratic Party, saying she did not want to be associated with a party obsessed with war. However, when President Trump, together with Israel, carried out strikes on Iran, she did not resign.
This highlights clear contradictions in her political journey.On one hand, she is seen as supportive of Hindu nationalism and has acted as a bridge for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliated institutions, which form the ideological foundation of India’s ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). On the other hand, she presents herself as a progressive and anti-war voice.This alleged “anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan” inclination reportedly supported by American networks linked to the RSS with financial contributions exceeding $1 million positions her, according to critics, as a figure advancing Hindutva interests within the U.S. power structure.Reports suggest that Gabbard had backing from Sangh-affiliated networks. She is described as having risen from an obscure figure to being called the “princess of the RSS.”Experts argue that her political rise cannot be attributed solely to personal ability. During her early election campaigns (2011–2012), she reportedly received strong financial and organizational support from individuals and networks linked to groups such as the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA), Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP), Ekal Vidyalaya, Sewa USA, and IDRF.2011–2012: Approximately $94,000 (around 10% of total individual donations) came from clearly pro-Sangh or pro-Modi sources, including 22 Sangh-affiliated officeholders.2013: $112,600 (20.7%) came from the same networks, including major fundraisers in June–July.2014: $123,000 (24%) came from the same circle during her election campaign, with her political profile described as having “risen alongside Modi.”Overall, since 2011, at least 105 individuals (later identified as around 200 active contributors) have significantly funded her campaigns. During her 2020 presidential run, she received approximately $1 million from Indian-American donors (13% of a total $7 million).Prominent individuals linked to the RSS such as Vijay Pallod, Ramesh Bhutada, Bharat Barai, Meher Meghani, and Chandrakant Patel are said to have supported her through funding, events, and networking.Gabbard attended VHPA conferences, wore BJP-colored scarves at OFBJP events, and participated in several Sangh-related programs.
In return, she became a strong advocate of U.S.-India relations, joined the House India Caucus, and supported efforts to improve the image of Narendra Modi.Critics argue that this is not merely diplomacy but ideological alignment. The RSS ideology promotes the establishment of a Hindu state where other religions may have a secondary status. According to critics, these donations strengthened her political support and lobbying efforts.There are also contradictions in her narrative of “diversity” and “peace.” While Gabbard speaks against religious discrimination and raises concerns about “Hinduphobia,” she has described Narendra Modi controversially referred to by critics as the “Butcher of Gujarat” as an “ideal leader.”She is accused of downplaying concerns about anti-Muslim violence in India and has not spoken about human rights violations there, unlike some other figures. Despite reports from human rights organizations, she opposes U.S. criticism of Hindu nationalist policies.Her family background is also said to be linked to a religious group that has previously held anti-LGBT views, which critics cite as another contradiction in her political stance.Questions are being raised about her role as DNI.
After becoming Director of National Intelligence in 2025, Indian media reportedly portrayed her as “Indian” rather than American, highlighting her background.In March 2026, her statements describing Pakistan’s missile program as a threat to the United States, and her expressions of solidarity with India after terrorist incidents while not commenting on Pakistan’s status as one of the most terrorism-affected countries (according to UN reports) have drawn criticism. Critics argue her stance aligns with India’s narrative and ignores regional complexities.They also point out that India’s missile program, including ICBMs with ranges extending to the U.S., was not mentioned in her reports.Some analysts go further, claiming that Gabbard is effectively acting as an “Indian agent,” promoting anti-Pakistan propaganda from within the U.S., and using her influence in the American system in favor of India.From the beginning, Gabbard pledged to strengthen U.S.-India relations and has acted on that promise. Her political success is presented by critics as partly the result of Sangh-linked financial backing, seen as an “investment” that eventually helped her gain influence and reach the DNI position.Recent U.S. reports, according to the article, suggest she is misusing her office by running an anti-Pakistan campaign to please alleged handlers linked to India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
The article concludes that true peace and diversity require rejecting ideological projects that favor any one religious or ethnic group. Gabbard’s record, it argues, shows contradictions between her statements and actions: while she speaks of unity and harmony, her political trajectory is described as being shaped by an RSS-linked ideological network perceived as anti-Muslim, particularly anti-Pakistan that makes Tulsi more Indian than American.
