Who Is Tulsi Gabbard? 5 Things to Know About the Former Director of National Intelligence
Tulsi Gabbard has had one of the most unexpected political evolutions in recent years.Once known as a Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii and a 2020 presidential candidate, Gabbard later aligned herself with Donald Trump and officially joined the Republican Party in 2024.
Months later, Trump appointed her as U.S.director of national intelligence, and she was confirmed by the Senate in February 2025 in a narrow 52-48 vote.
Following her confirmation, Gabbard said she hoped to restore trust in the intelligence community, arguing that many Americans believed it had become “weaponized” and politicized.During her time in the role, she remained a high-profile and often polarizing figure within Trump’s administration because of her foreign policy views and shifting political identity.
In May 2026, Gabbard returned to headlines after reports confirmed she would resign as director of national intelligence, citing her husband Abraham Williams’ cancer diagnosis and family priorities.Her resignation renewed public interest in her political career, military service and personal life.
Before her shift to the Republican Party, Gabbard—who was elected to Hawaii’s House of Representatives at just 21—was known for championing liberal causes, including government-run healthcare, free college tuition, and gun control.Find out more about her below.
She Made History as the First Hindu and Samoan Congressperson in US History Gabbard is from Leloaloa, a small village on Tutuila Island in American Samoa.In 2012, she made history by becoming the first Samoan-American member of Congress, representing Hawaii’s second district for four terms.
Raised in a multi-faith household that practiced both Christianity and Hinduism, Gabbard is also notable for being the first Hindu ever to serve in Congress.Gabbard did not seek re-election in 2020, choosing instead to focus on her presidential campaign.
Since leaving Congress, Gabbard has launched ...