Career Timeline of Tulsi Gabbard: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Tulsi Gabbard built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Tulsi Gabbard is an American politician and military officer currently serving as the Director of National Intelligence since 2025 and holding the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve since 2021. She formerly served as the U.S. Representative for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2021. Formerly a Democrat, Gabbard joined the Republican Party in 2024. Prior to her congressional service, she was the youngest state legislator in Hawaii from 2002 to 2004.
2002: Youngest State Legislator in Hawaii
From 2002 to 2004, Tulsi Gabbard was the youngest state legislator in Hawaii.
2002: Won Election to Hawaii House of Representatives
In 2002, Gabbard won the general election with 60.7% of the vote, defeating Republican Alfonso Jimenez. At the age of 21, Gabbard became the youngest legislator ever elected in Hawaii's history, and was at the time the youngest woman ever elected to a U.S. state legislature.
2002: Dropped out of Leeward Community College
In 2002, when she was 21, Gabbard dropped out of Leeward Community College to run for election to the Hawaii state legislature, and she became the youngest woman ever elected as a U.S. state representative.
April 2003: Enlisted in Hawaii Army National Guard
In April 2003, while serving in the Hawaii State Legislature, Gabbard enlisted in the Hawaii Army National Guard.
2003: Joined Hawaii Army National Guard
In 2003, Gabbard joined the Hawaii Army National Guard.
August 2004: Announced she would not campaign for reelection
In August 2004, Gabbard announced she would not campaign for a second term, and Cabanilla won the Democratic primary with 58% of the vote due to her deployment to Iraq.
2004: Youngest State Legislator in Hawaii
From 2002 to 2004, Tulsi Gabbard was the youngest state legislator in Hawaii.
2004: Deployed to Iraq
From 2004 to 2005, Gabbard was deployed to Iraq, where she served as a specialist with a medical unit, and received the Combat Medical Badge.
2005: Deployed to Iraq
From 2004 to 2005, Gabbard was deployed to Iraq, where she served as a specialist with a medical unit, and received the Combat Medical Badge.
March 2007: Graduated from Officer Candidate School
In March 2007, she graduated from the Accelerated Officer Candidate School at the Alabama Military Academy at the top of her class, the first woman ever to do so.
2007: Completed officer training program
In 2007, Gabbard completed the officer training program at the Alabama Military Academy.
2008: Stationed in Kuwait
From 2008 to 2009, Gabbard was stationed in Kuwait as an Army Military Police platoon leader.
2009: Stationed in Kuwait
From 2008 to 2009, Gabbard was stationed in Kuwait as an Army Military Police platoon leader.
2009: Ran for Honolulu City Council
In 2009, Gabbard ran for a seat on the Honolulu City Council.
September 2010: Finished first in Honolulu City Council Primary
In September 2010, Gabbard finished first with 26.8% of the vote in the 10-candidate nonpartisan open primary for a seat on the Honolulu City Council.
May 2011: Declared Candidacy for Open House Seat
In May 2011, Gabbard declared her candidacy for the open House seat.
August 16, 2012: Resigned from Honolulu City Council
On August 16, 2012, Gabbard resigned from the Honolulu City Council to focus on her congressional campaign.
December 2012: Applied for U.S. Senate Seat
In December 2012, Gabbard applied for appointment to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the death of Daniel Inouye.
2012: Spoke at Democratic National Convention, Elected to Congress
In 2012, Gabbard spoke at the Democratic National Convention. In the general election, she defeated Republican Kawika Crowley with 80.6% of the vote, becoming the first voting Samoan American and first Hindu member of Congress.
2012: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives
In 2012, Gabbard was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Hawaii's 2nd congressional district, becoming the first Samoan American and Hindu American member of U.S. Congress.
January 22, 2013: Gabbard Elected as DNC Vice Chair
On January 22, 2013, Tulsi Gabbard was unanimously elected as a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
March 2013: Introduced the Helping Heroes Fly Act
In March 2013, she introduced the Helping Heroes Fly Act to expedite airport security screening for severely wounded veterans.
November 25, 2013: Receiving John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award
On November 25, 2013, Tulsi Gabbard received the John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award for her efforts on behalf of veterans.
2013: Vice-Chair of the Democratic National Committee
From 2013 to 2016, Gabbard served as vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
2013: U.S. Representative for Hawaii
In 2013, Tulsi Gabbard served as U.S. representative for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district.
2013: Oath of Office with Bhagavad Gita
In 2013, Tulsi Gabbard took the oath of office using her personal copy of the Bhagavad Gita.
March 20, 2014: Honored by Elle Magazine on 'Women in Washington Power List'
On March 20, 2014, Elle magazine honored Tulsi Gabbard, with others, at the Italian Embassy in the United States during its annual "Women in Washington Power List".
2014: Reelected to Congress
Gabbard was reelected in 2014, defeating Crowley again with 78.7% of the vote.
2014: Presentation of Bhagavad Gita to Narendra Modi
In 2014, Tulsi Gabbard, as a Congresswoman, presented a copy of the Bhagavad Gita to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the United States and supported his efforts for the United Nations to declare an International Yoga Day.
September 2015: Gabbard Criticizes DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz
In September 2015, Tulsi Gabbard criticized DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz's decision to limit the number of debates in the 2016 Democratic primary.
October 12, 2015: Promoted to Major
On October 12, 2015, Gabbard was promoted from the rank of captain to major at a ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
October 2015: Gabbard Reportedly Asked Not to Attend Debate
In October 2015, Tulsi Gabbard was reportedly asked not to attend the October 2015 debate in Las Vegas following her criticism of DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
November 2015: Introduced Talia's Law
In November 2015, Gabbard introduced Talia's Law, aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect on military bases.
2015: Became a Major
In 2015, while also serving in Congress, Gabbard became a major with the Hawaii Army National Guard.
February 2016: Talia's Law Passed by Congress
In February 2016, Congress passed Talia's Law, which Gabbard introduced.
February 28, 2016: Gabbard Resigns as DNC Vice Chair to Endorse Bernie Sanders
On February 28, 2016, Tulsi Gabbard resigned as DNC vice chair to endorse Bernie Sanders for president. She also appeared on Meet the Press to discuss her resignation and launched a petition to eliminate superdelegates.
December 2016: Talia's Law Signed into Law
In December 2016, Talia's Law, which Gabbard introduced, was signed into law.
December 2016: Bill to Award Congressional Gold Medal Signed into Law
In December 2016, the bill co-sponsored by Gabbard with Senator Hirono to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino and Filipino American veterans of World War II was signed into law by President Obama.
2016: Gabbard Listed as Sanders's Running Mate in California
During the 2016 election, Tulsi Gabbard was listed as Bernie Sanders's running mate for write-in votes in California.
2016: Resigned from DNC, endorsed Bernie Sanders
From 2013 to 2016, Gabbard served as vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), but resigned in 2016 to endorse Bernie Sanders for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination.
2016: Support for Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
In 2016, Tulsi Gabbard supported the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, co-signing a letter requesting the Obama administration to address tribal concerns.
2016: Support for Diwali Commemorative Stamp
In 2016, Tulsi Gabbard supported the campaign by Hindu Americans for a Diwali commemorative stamp in the United States, emphasizing the values honored by the festival.
2016: Reelected to Congress
In the 2016 election, Gabbard was reelected with 81.2% of the vote, defeating Republican Angela Kaaihue.
2017: Gabbard Endorses Keith Ellison for DNC Chair
In 2017, Tulsi Gabbard endorsed Keith Ellison for DNC chair.
2017: Introduced the Off Fossil Fuels (OFF) Act
In 2017, she introduced the Off Fossil Fuels (OFF) Act, which aimed for a transition to 100% clean energy by 2035.
September 2018: Co-sponsored the No More Presidential Wars Act
In September 2018, she and Republican Representative Walter Jones co-sponsored the No More Presidential Wars Act to reaffirm Congress's authority over war declarations.
September 30, 2018: Receiving Ho'ola Na Pua Advocacy Award
On September 30, 2018, Tulsi Gabbard received the Ho'ola Na Pua Advocacy Award for "her dedication to serving and empowering human trafficking survivors in Hawaii".
2018: Gabbard Passes Amendment for Civil Defense Equipment
In 2018, Tulsi Gabbard successfully passed an amendment to improve protective equipment for civil defense agencies near volcanic activity.
2018: Introduced the Securing America's Election Act
In 2018, she introduced the Securing America's Election Act, requiring all voting districts to use paper ballots to ensure an auditable paper trail.
February 2019: Gabbard Officially Launches 2020 Presidential Campaign
In February 2019, Tulsi Gabbard officially launched her 2020 presidential campaign, becoming the first female combat veteran to run for president.
July 2019: Gabbard Visits Puerto Rico and Joins Protests
In July 2019, Tulsi Gabbard was the only 2020 presidential candidate to visit Puerto Rico and join protests urging Governor Ricardo Rosselló to resign.
September 2019: Media Coverage of Gabbard's Campaign
In September 2019, various media outlets summarized the coverage of Gabbard's presidential campaign, highlighting scrutiny and alleged Russian ties, with negative coverage during the June–September period.
October 2019: James Carden on Gabbard and Clinton Feud
In October 2019, James Carden of The Nation wrote that "McCarthyism had gone mainstream" in media attacks against Tulsi Gabbard, viewing the Clinton-Gabbard feud as vilification by Clinton and allies.
October 2019: Gabbard Qualifies for Fourth Democratic Debate
In October 2019, Tulsi Gabbard qualified for the fourth Democratic debate in Ohio.
October 2019: Hillary Clinton Suggests Gabbard is a 'Russian Asset'
In October 2019, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton suggested that Tulsi Gabbard was a 'Russian asset,' which led to widespread criticism and defenses from fellow candidates and President Trump.
October 25, 2019: Gabbard announces she will not seek reelection
On October 25, 2019, Tulsi Gabbard announced that she would not seek reelection in 2020, citing her presidential campaign as the reason.
December 2019: Saturday Night Live Parodies Gabbard
After the December 2019 debates, Saturday Night Live's parodies of the debates portrayed Tulsi Gabbard as a villain, using menacing music and flashing lights.
2019: Co-sponsorship of Armenian Genocide Resolution
In 2019, Tulsi Gabbard co-sponsored the Armenian Genocide Resolution to formally recognize and remember the Armenian genocide.
2019: Amendment on Runit Dome Safety
In 2019, Tulsi Gabbard successfully passed an amendment to the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act requiring the Department of Energy to reexamine the safety of the Runit Dome, a leaking Cold War era nuclear waste site in the Marshall Islands.
January 2020: Gabbard Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Clinton
In January 2020, Tulsi Gabbard filed a legal defamation lawsuit against Hillary Clinton over the 'Russian asset' assertion, but dropped it five months later.
March 3, 2020: Gabbard Earns Delegates in American Samoa
On March 3, 2020, Gabbard earned two delegates in American Samoa, making her the second woman of color and the first Asian-American and Pacific-Islander presidential candidate to earn primary delegates.
March 2020: Dropped out of Presidential Campaign, endorsed Joe Biden
In March 2020, Gabbard dropped out of her 2020 presidential campaign and endorsed Joe Biden.
March 19, 2020: Gabbard Drops Out of 2020 Election and Endorses Joe Biden
On March 19, 2020, Tulsi Gabbard dropped out of the 2020 election and endorsed former vice president Joe Biden.
June 2020: Transferred to 351st Civil Affairs Command
In June 2020, Gabbard transferred to the 351st Civil Affairs Command, a California-based United States Army Reserve unit.
July 2020: Gabbard Meets with Vanessa Guillén's Family
In July 2020, Gabbard met with the family of Vanessa Guillén, a U.S. Army soldier who was murdered, and advocated for reforms to address military sexual harassment, stating she was "stand[ing] here for Vanessa" and "for her family."
August 2020: Gabbard Advocates for Jennifer Smith
In August 2020, Tulsi Gabbard advocated for Jennifer Smith, a Hawaii Department of Health epidemiologist who reported issues with the state's COVID-19 contact tracing program after she was placed on paid leave.
September 2020: Gabbard Converts Presidential Campaign Committee and Criticizes Netflix's Cuties
In September 2020, Tulsi Gabbard converted her presidential campaign committee, Tulsi Now, into Tulsi Aloha, a leadership PAC. That same month, she also criticized Netflix over the film Cuties, arguing that it contributed to the exploitation of children.
October 2020: Gabbard Introduces Bills on Snowden and Assange
In October 2020, Tulsi Gabbard and Representative Matt Gaetz introduced a bill calling for the U.S. to drop criminal charges against Edward Snowden. She also introduced a similar bill with Representative Thomas Massie advocating for Julian Assange's release from prison in the United Kingdom.
2020: Criticism of Trump's China Policy
During her 2020 presidential campaign, Tulsi Gabbard criticized President Donald Trump's confrontational approach towards China, advocating for cooperation on global challenges such as climate change and opposing his trade war due to its damaging effects and potential for escalating conflict. She also expressed concern that the trade war would make it more difficult to secure Chinese support over a nuclear deal with North Korea.
2020: Gabbard Criticizes Kamala Harris's Record
During the second Democratic primary debate in 2020, Tulsi Gabbard criticized Kamala Harris's record as attorney general of California, accusing her of holding innocent people on death row.
2020: Transferred to U.S. Army Reserve
In 2020, she transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve.
January 2021: Gabbard Launches Podcast and Appears on Fox News
In January 2021, Tulsi Gabbard launched her own podcast, This is Tulsi Gabbard. She also made several appearances on Fox News programs.
July 4, 2021: Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel
On July 4, 2021, Gabbard was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel, while she was deployed to the Horn of Africa working as a civil affairs officer in support of a special operations mission.
November 2021: Gabbard Celebrates Youngkin's Victory
In November 2021, Tulsi Gabbard celebrated the victory of Republican candidate Glenn Youngkin in the Virginia Gubernatorial election over Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe.
2021: Departure from Congress
After her departure from Congress in 2021, Gabbard took more conservative positions on issues.
2021: Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel
In 2021, Gabbard was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.
April 2022: Gabbard Expresses Support for Florida's Parental Rights Bill
In April 2022, Tulsi Gabbard expressed support for Florida's Parental Rights Bill on Hannity, stating it should have continued through twelfth grade.
August 2022: Gabbard Starts Hosting Tucker Carlson Tonight
In August 2022, Tulsi Gabbard started serving as the fill-in host for Tucker Carlson Tonight.
October 11, 2022: Gabbard Leaves Democratic Party
On October 11, 2022, Tulsi Gabbard announced on Twitter that she was leaving the Democratic Party, criticizing its leadership. Shortly thereafter, she endorsed and campaigned for several Donald Trump-supported Republican candidates in the 2022 midterm elections.
November 2022: Gabbard Signs Deal with Fox News as Contributor
In November 2022, after years of being a frequent guest on several of their programs, Tulsi Gabbard signed a deal with Fox News as a paid contributor.
2022: Spoke at CPAC, left Democratic Party
In 2022, Gabbard spoke at the conservative CPAC conference and left the Democratic Party.
February 22, 2024: Gabbard Speaks at CPAC
On February 22, 2024, Tulsi Gabbard was a featured speaker at CPAC, raising speculation of her candidacy as a potential vice-presidential selection.
March 2024: Trump Cites Gabbard as Potential Running Mate
In March 2024, Donald Trump cited Tulsi Gabbard as one of his potential choices for his running mate.
August 26, 2024: Gabbard Endorses Trump's Re-election Bid
On August 26, 2024, Tulsi Gabbard endorsed Donald Trump's re-election bid during a National Guard Association gathering in Michigan. The next day, she was named as an honorary co-chair of his presidential transition team.
August 30, 2024: Milbank Op-Ed Criticizes Gabbard's Stance on Ukraine Biological Labs
On August 30, 2024, Dana Milbank published an op-ed in the Washington Post criticizing Tulsi Gabbard for allegedly endorsing Russian propaganda by falsely claiming that the United States was funding biological laboratories in Ukraine that could spread dangerous pathogens.
October 22, 2024: Gabbard Announces Joining Republican Party
On October 22, 2024, while speaking at a Trump rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, Tulsi Gabbard announced she was joining the Republican Party.
November 13, 2024: Trump Nominates Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence
On November 13, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence (DNI).
November 2024: Gabbard's Skepticism on Assad's Actions Reported
In November 2024, the BBC reported that Gabbard had called for evidence to be presented to Congress regarding Assad's use of chemical weapons, highlighting her continued skepticism on the matter.
2024: Endorsed Donald Trump, joined Republican Party
In 2024, Gabbard endorsed Donald Trump for the presidential election and joined the Republican Party later that year.
2024: Joined the Republican Party
In 2024, Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democrat, joined the Republican Party.
January 27, 2025: Support from Former Officials
On January 27, 2025, former intelligence and national security officials voiced their support for Tulsi Gabbard, believing she would help depoliticize intelligence agencies. Libertarian-leaning GOP senators also supported her anti-interventionist stance. Victoria Coates emphasized the need for new intelligence leadership. Bernard Hudson praised her integrity and experience.
January 30, 2025: Testimony Before Senate Intelligence Committee
On January 30, 2025, Tulsi Gabbard testified before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. She pledged to separate her political views from her official duties and addressed concerns about her loyalties, denying that she was a puppet of various leaders.
February 4, 2025: Senate Committee Advances Nomination
On February 4, 2025, the Senate Intelligence Committee advanced Tulsi Gabbard's nomination in a 9–8 party-line vote, after Senators Susan Collins and James Lankford voiced their support following Gabbard's clarifications on her stances.
February 10, 2025: Murkowski Announces Support
On February 10, 2025, Senator Lisa Murkowski announced her support for Tulsi Gabbard's nomination, citing Gabbard's commitment to oversight and civil liberties. The Senate later confirmed her nomination on February 12.
February 12, 2025: Sworn in as Director of National Intelligence
On February 12, 2025, Tulsi Gabbard was sworn in as the 8th Director of National Intelligence by Attorney General Pam Bondi. She became the first female military combat veteran, Pacific Islander American, and Hindu American to hold a Cabinet-level position.
February 2025: Confirmed as Director of National Intelligence
In February 2025, Gabbard was confirmed by the Senate, becoming the highest-ranking Pacific Islander American government official in U.S. history.
March 2025: International Trips as DNI
In March 2025, Tulsi Gabbard, as DNI, made her second international trip to Asia, focusing on the Indo-Pacific region, including Japan, Thailand, and India, following her trip to Germany for the Munich Security Conference. She also stopped in Hawaii before Asia and attended the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi.
May 2025: Reorientation of U.S. Intelligence
In May 2025, Tulsi Gabbard announced the reorientation of U.S. intelligence towards border security, counterterrorism, and counternarcotics at the GEOINT 2025 Symposium. Gabbard's office also consolidated intelligence operations and fired two officials at the NIC.
2025: Director of National Intelligence
In 2025, Tulsi Gabbard began serving as the eighth director of national intelligence (DNI).
2035: Introduced the Off Fossil Fuels (OFF) Act
In 2017, she introduced the Off Fossil Fuels (OFF) Act, which aimed for a transition to 100% clean energy by 2035.
Mentioned in this timeline
Donald John Trump is an American politician media personality and...
Ukraine is a large country in Eastern Europe second only...
Tucker Carlson is an American conservative political commentator best known...
Fox News Channel FNC is a conservative American news and...
Nancy Pelosi is an American politician notable for being the...
Bernard Sanders is a prominent American politician serving as the...
Trending
28 days ago Fritz faces Davidovich Fokina in Wimbledon's third round: Predictions and Odds
Brett Michael Kavanaugh is an American lawyer and judge who currently serves as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court...
1 month ago SpaceX and NASA Target June 22 for Axiom Mission 4 Launch After ISS Leak
3 months ago Micah Parsons' Potential $200 Million Contract with Cowboys: Negotiations and Future
1 month ago China and Taiwan tensions escalate, with Taiwan seeking unity amidst threats.
14 days ago Hikers Found Dead in Sequoia National Park: Search Ends in Tragedy
Popular
The Boeing Dreamliner is an American wide-body airliner developed by...
Jeff Hardy is an American professional wrestler currently signed with...
John Michael Ozzy Osbourne is a prominent English singer songwriter...
Jupiter is the fifth and largest planet from the Sun...
Jeff Bezos is an American businessman renowned as the founder...
Candace Owens is an American political commentator and author known...