‘Anti-Hindu bigotry’: Tulsi Gabbard linked to ‘cult’ in report as she exits DNI role

Former U.S. intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard faces controversy following a report detailing her alleged long-standing ties to a Hindu sect described by critics as a "cult." As Gabbard steps down from her senior national security role, a major investigation by The Washington Post has surfaced, claiming extensive communications between her advisers and associates of Chris Butler, the 78-year-old founder of the 'Science of Identity Foundation' (SIF).

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I was raised to believe Chris Butler was God’s voice on Earth, and if you question him or offended him in any way, you were effectively offending God

The SIF, a new religious movement established in the 1970s after splitting from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, is based in Hawaii and teaches a blend of yoga and elements of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. The investigation alleges that emails, internal documents, and talking points reveal Butler's close allies collaborating with Gabbard's advisers to influence her public messaging and political positioning over several years. Rebecca Saltzburg, a former SIF member who worked on Gabbard's congressional campaigns, reportedly provided materials suggesting Butler's influence extended to Gabbard and her family.

According to The Washington Post, between 2014 and 2016, when Gabbard was a sitting member of Congress, she frequently employed arguments that aligned with talking points allegedly originating from SIF-linked documents. These ideas reportedly appeared not only in her interviews but also informed her policy positions and legislative activities. One cited example involved an email instruction to "Get it started in the morning," encouraging legislative action against countries whose citizens fought for the Islamic State, a bill Gabbard introduced a week later.

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He wanted, he said, to rule the world.

The report further claims that online activity was coordinated to promote Gabbard's public image, with social media accounts run by Butler supporters regularly defending and praising her political career. One message stated: "DNI Gabbard is a true patriot and will be missed." Critics accuse Butler of wielding significant control over his followers, with one former member stating, "I was raised to believe Chris Butler was God’s voice on Earth, and if you question him or offended him in any way, you were effectively offending God." Another claimed Butler had ambitions beyond religion, stating, "He wanted, he said, to rule the world."

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DNI Gabbard is a true patriot and will be missed.

Gabbard's spokesperson has vehemently rejected the allegations, labeling the report "a blatant example of anti-Hindu bigotry." This defense comes as scrutiny of her associations intensifies following her resignation from her intelligence role, announced in May after months of speculation about her future in office.

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a blatant example of anti-Hindu bigotry.