Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard is an American politician, military officer, and former member of the U.S.
Tulsi Gabbard is an American politician, military officer, and former member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district. She served as director of national intelligence from February 2025 to June 2026 and was noted for being the first female military combat veteran and the first Pacific Islander American to hold that Cabinet-level office.
Early life and education
Gabbard was born in American Samoa and raised in Hawaii. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Hawaii Pacific University in 2009.
U.S. House career
She served in the U.S. House from 2013 to 2021, representing Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district. Her election marked several firsts, including being the first American Samoan and first practicing Hindu member of Congress.
Presidential campaign
Gabbard announced a campaign for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination in 2019. She suspended the campaign in March 2020.
Director of national intelligence
In 2025, Gabbard was confirmed as director of national intelligence, the official who leads the U.S. intelligence community and advises the president on intelligence matters. She resigned from the post in 2026.
Party affiliation changes
Gabbard left the Democratic Party in 2022, became an independent, and then joined the Republican Party in 2024.
Key facts
- Gabbard served as the 8th director of national intelligence and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in February 2025.
- She resigned from the DNI post effective June 19, 2026, after announcing her resignation in May 2026.
- She represented Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2021.
- She was the first practicing Hindu member of Congress and the first American Samoan member of Congress.
- She left the Democratic Party in 2022 and joined the Republican Party in 2024.
No major direct Canada-specific connection is established in the provided sources, though her roles in U.S. federal politics and intelligence are relevant to Canadian readers interested in North American affairs.
Frequently asked questions
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References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tulsi_GabbardSupports: Biographical details, DNI appointment and resignation, congressional service, party changes.
- Archives of Women's Political Communication — https://awpc.cattcenter.iastate.edu/directory/tulsi-gabbardSupports: Birth details, education, congressional service, presidential campaign, party affiliation changes.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tulsi-GabbardSupports: Birth details, congressional service, DNI role and resignation timing.
- PBS NewsHour / Associated Press — https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/5-things-to-know-about-tulsi-gabbard-trumps-choice-for-director-of-national-intelligenceSupports: Background on her political career, military service, and nomination context.
- Ballotpedia — https://www.ballotpedia.org/Tulsi_GabbardSupports: House service, party changes, and milestone firsts in Congress.
- U.S. House of Representatives History, Art & Archives — https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/15032387167Supports: Official House historical record for congressional service.