Tulsi Gabbard's recent nomination to be the United States director of national intelligence has reignited controversy surrounding her connections to the Science of Identity Foundation, with criticism and claims of cult involvement casting a shadow over her political career.
Newsweek reported that Gabbard's surprising switch to the Republican Party and her subsequent nomination by President-elect Donald Trump have heightened concerns due to her longstanding affiliation with the Science of Identity Foundation, which former members claim is a "cult."
Gabbard's political evolution began in the early 2000s, with the guidance of Chris Butler, who leads the Science of Identity Foundation.
The foundation, however, has been described by some former affiliates as a "cult," and they claim it has significantly shaped Gabbard's political ambitions and strategies.
However, there is no proof that Gabbard is influenced by this "cult" and it is highly likely that, like those former members making accusations against her, Gabbard is no longer affiliated with that group.
The Science of Identity Foundation has been a central element in Gabbard's political narrative. Gabbard, initially a Democrat, transitioned to the Republican party in 2024. Soon after, she was nominated by Donald Trump for the role of director of national intelligence.
Former members and campaign insiders have raised concerns about the foundation's impact on her various electoral campaigns.
They assert that its influence pervades multiple levels of Gabbard's political involvements, from strategic advice to campaign throughputs.
Gabbard's family, many of whom are also members of the Science of Identity Foundation, held pivotal roles within her campaign. Her sister served as her campaign manager, underscoring the intertwined relationship between personal and organizational ties.
Former campaign staffers have alleged exploitative practices within Gabbard's campaign operations. These claims suggest that many campaign activities involved significant unpaid labor from foundation members, raising ethical and legal concerns.
"The main people working on the campaign were her family members, who are also members of the cult," said a former campaign volunteer, noting the extensive influence of the foundation in her political machinery. This setup has been described as fraudulent by some former associates.
More troubling are the allegations of financial irregularities, with accusations of campaign funds potentially being funneled through the foundation's networks, suggesting possible misconduct in political finance management.
Donald Trump's transition team has been quick to dismiss many of these claims, attributing them to politically motivated attacks.
"The repeated attacks that Lt Col. Tulsi Gabbard has sustained from the media and Democrats about her faith and loyalty to our country are not only false; they are bigoted as well," stated Alexa Henning, a spokesperson for the transition team.
However, critics argue that the claims deserve closer scrutiny. Independent journalist Pieter Friedrich remarked on the foundation's widespread influence, suggesting that foundation members, being groomed from a young age as acolytes of Chris Butler, "tend to join themselves to power anywhere they can find it."
Former campaign volunteers echo this sentiment, with one characterizing Gabbard as being groomed her entire life by the foundation, with ambitions extending to significant political power. Allegations suggest long-term ambitions by Chris Butler to leverage Gabbard's political ascent as part of broader objectives.
Gabbard's connections to the Science of Identity Foundation remain a critical talking point as she navigates this new phase of her political career. Her past roles, including her tenure as the youngest legislator in Hawaii and as a U.S. Representative, have been viewed against the backdrop of her religious and organizational affiliations.
Her move to the Republican Party and Trump's choice of her for the national intelligence position have positioned her under intense scrutiny. Stakeholders in the political landscape continue to assess the implications of her nomination amidst the swirling allegations.
Amid the public discourse, the tension between her personal faith and the political narrative builds. Critics of the nomination emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in resolving questions surrounding her affiliations and their impact on her role as a public official.
Allegations against Gabbard regarding her political ascension raise questions about integrity and influence in her campaigns. The blend of religious affiliations, financial implications, and political maneuvering warrant serious examination going forward.
