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. She served as a U.S. Representative for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2021 and currently serves as the director of national intelligence (DNI) since 2025 and holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve since 2021. Formerly a Democrat, she switched to the Republican Party in 2024. Notably, she was Hawaii's youngest state legislator from 2002 to 2004.
2002: Youngest State Legislator in Hawaii
In 2002, Tulsi Gabbard became the youngest state legislator in Hawaii, serving until 2004.
2002: Drops out of Leeward Community College to run for election
In 2002, Tulsi Gabbard dropped out of Leeward Community College, where she had been studying television production, to run for election to the Hawaii state legislature, and she became the youngest woman ever elected as a U.S. state representative.
2002: Elected to Hawaii House of Representatives
In 2002, after redistricting, Tulsi Gabbard won the four-candidate Democratic primary for the 42nd district of the Hawaii House of Representatives with a plurality of 43% of the vote. Gabbard then 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.
April 2003: Enlists in Hawaii Army National Guard
In April 2003, Tulsi Gabbard enlisted in the Hawaii Army National Guard while serving in the Hawaii State Legislature.
2003: Joins Hawaii Army National Guard
In 2003, Tulsi Gabbard joined the Hawaii Army National Guard.
August 2004: Announces She Will Not Campaign For Second Term
In August 2004, Gabbard announced that she would not campaign for a second term due to her Army National Guard service in Iraq. Rida Cabanilla won the Democratic primary with 58% of the vote.
2004: Deployment to Iraq
From 2004 to 2005, Tulsi Gabbard was deployed to Iraq, where she served as a specialist with the medical unit and received the Combat Medical Badge.
2004: End of Term as State Legislator
In 2004, Tulsi Gabbard ended her term as state legislator in Hawaii
2005: Service in Iraq
From 2004 to 2005, Tulsi Gabbard was deployed to Iraq, where she served as a specialist with the medical unit and received the Combat Medical Badge.
2005: Completes Tour in Iraq
In 2005, Tulsi Gabbard completed her tour in Iraq at Logistical Support Area Anaconda, choosing not to campaign for reelection to the state legislature due to the deployment.
March 2007: Graduates from Accelerated Officer Candidate School
In March 2007, Tulsi Gabbard graduated from the Accelerated Officer Candidate School at the Alabama Military Academy at the top of her class, becoming the first woman ever to do so.
2007: Completes Officer Training Program
In 2007, Tulsi Gabbard completed the officer training program at the Alabama Military Academy.
2008: Stationed in Kuwait
From 2008 to 2009, Tulsi Gabbard was stationed in Kuwait as an Army Military Police platoon leader.
2009: Runs for Honolulu City Council
After returning home from her second deployment to the Middle East in 2009, Gabbard ran for a seat on the Honolulu City Council.
2009: Stationed in Kuwait
From 2008 to 2009, Tulsi Gabbard was stationed in Kuwait as an Army Military Police platoon leader.
September 2010: Finishes First in Honolulu City Council Primary
In September 2010, Gabbard finished first in the 10-candidate nonpartisan open primary for a seat on the Honolulu City Council with 26.8% of the vote.
May 2011: Declares Candidacy for U.S. House Seat
In May 2011, Tulsi Gabbard declared her candidacy for the open U.S. House seat.
August 16, 2012: Resigns from Honolulu City Council
On August 16, 2012, Tulsi Gabbard resigned from the Honolulu City Council to focus on her congressional campaign.
December 2012: Applies for U.S. Senate Seat
In December 2012, Tulsi Gabbard applied for appointment to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the death of Daniel Inouye but was not among the candidates forwarded to the governor.
2012: Speaks at Democratic National Convention
In 2012, Tulsi Gabbard spoke at the Democratic National Convention, where she was introduced as "an emerging star". She praised President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.
2012: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives
In 2012, Tulsi 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: Elected as Vice Chair of the DNC
On January 22, 2013, Gabbard was unanimously elected as a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).
March 2013: Introduces Helping Heroes Fly Act
In March 2013, Tulsi Gabbard introduced the Helping Heroes Fly Act to expedite airport security screening for severely wounded veterans. The bill received bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Obama.
November 25, 2013: John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award
On November 25, 2013, Tulsi Gabbard received the John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award at a ceremony at the Institute of Politics at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government for her efforts on behalf of veterans.
2013: Vice-Chair of the Democratic National Committee
From 2013 to 2016 Tulsi Gabbard served as vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee.
2013: Service as U.S. Representative Begins
In 2013, Tulsi Gabbard began her service as the U.S. Representative for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district, a position she held until 2021.
2013: Oath of office
In 2013, Tulsi Gabbard took the oath of office using her personal copy of the Bhagavad Gita.
March 20, 2014: Elle magazine honor
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: Gift to Narendra Modi
In 2014, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard presented a copy of the Bhagavad Gita to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the United States and supported Modi's efforts for the declaration of an International Yoga Day by the United Nations.
2014: Reelected to Congress
In 2014, Tulsi Gabbard was reelected to Congress, defeating Kawika Crowley again with 78.7% of the vote.
February 26, 2015: National Association of Counties County Alumni Award
On February 26, 2015, Tulsi Gabbard received the National Association of Counties County Alumni Award for her "steadfast commitment to the nation's counties".
July 15, 2015: Friend of the National Parks Award
On July 15, 2015, Tulsi Gabbard received the Friend of the National Parks Award from the National Parks Conservation Association.
September 2015: Criticized DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz
In September 2015, Gabbard criticized DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz's decision to limit the number of debates in the 2016 Democratic primary.
October 12, 2015: Promotion to Major
On October 12, 2015, Tulsi Gabbard was promoted from the rank of captain to major at a ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
October 2015: Reportedly asked not to attend debate
Following her criticism, Gabbard was reportedly asked not to attend the October 2015 debate in Las Vegas.
November 2015: Introduces Talia's Law
In November 2015, Gabbard introduced Talia's Law, aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect on military bases.
2015: Becomes Major with Hawaii Army National Guard
In 2015, while serving in Congress, Tulsi Gabbard became a major with the Hawaii Army National Guard.
February 2016: Congress Passes Talia's Law
In February 2016, Congress passed Talia's Law, which was introduced by Tulsi Gabbard.
February 28, 2016: Resigned as DNC vice chair to endorse Bernie Sanders
On February 28, 2016, Gabbard resigned as DNC vice chair to endorse Bernie Sanders. She appeared on Meet the Press to discuss her resignation.
December 2016: Talia's Law Signed Into Law
In December 2016, Talia's Law, which was introduced by Tulsi Gabbard, was signed into law.
December 2016: Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino Veterans
In December 2016, the bill co-sponsored by Tulsi Gabbard and 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: Listed as Sanders's running mate for write-in votes
During the 2016 election, Tulsi Gabbard was listed as Bernie Sanders's running mate for write-in votes in California.
2016: Endorses Bernie Sanders for President
In 2016, Tulsi Gabbard resigned as Vice-Chair of the DNC 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, noting that the Diwali festival honors values such as righteousness.
2016: Reelected to Congress
In 2016, Tulsi Gabbard was reelected with 81.2% of the vote, defeating Republican Angela Kaaihue.
January 2017: Fact-Finding Mission to Syria and Lebanon
In January 2017, Tulsi Gabbard undertook a one-week "fact-finding mission" to Syria and Lebanon. During the trip, she met with various political and religious leaders from both countries and had two unplanned meetings with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The visit was arranged by individuals connected to the Syrian Social Nationalist Party.
2017: Endorsed Keith Ellison for DNC chair
In 2017, Gabbard endorsed Keith Ellison for DNC chair.
2017: Introduces Off Fossil Fuels (OFF) Act
In 2017, Tulsi Gabbard introduced the Off Fossil Fuels (OFF) Act, which aimed for a transition to 100% clean energy by 2035.
September 2018: Co-sponsors No More Presidential Wars Act
In September 2018, Tulsi Gabbard and Republican Representative Walter Jones co-sponsored the No More Presidential Wars Act to reaffirm Congress's authority over war declarations.
September 30, 2018: 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" at their annual Pearl Gala.
October 16, 2018: Hawaii Pacific University's 2018 Paul T. C. Loo Distinguished Alumni
On October 16, 2018, Tulsi Gabbard was honored as Hawaii Pacific University's 2018 Paul T. C. Loo Distinguished Alumni.
2018: Amendment passed to improve protective equipment
In 2018, Gabbard successfully passed an amendment to improve protective equipment for civil defense agencies near volcanic activity.
2018: Introduces Securing America's Election Act
In 2018, Tulsi Gabbard introduced the Securing America's Election Act, requiring all voting districts to use paper ballots to ensure an auditable paper trail.
February 2019: Launched 2020 presidential campaign
In February 2019, Gabbard officially launched her 2020 presidential campaign, becoming the first female combat veteran to run for president.
February 2019: Views on Assad and U.S. Role in Regime Change
In February 2019, a month after launching her presidential campaign, Tulsi Gabbard stated in an interview with MSNBC that "Assad is not the enemy of the United States." She also stated in an interview on CNN that while Assad is a brutal dictator, the U.S. should not be involved in regime-change wars.
February 2019: Reports on Gabbard's Skepticism
In February 2019, during her presidential campaign, news organizations reported that Tulsi Gabbard had called for evidence to be presented to Congress regarding the Assad regime's involvement in a gas attack.
March 10, 2019: CNN Townhall: Chemical Weapons in Syria
On March 10, 2019, during a CNN Townhall, Tulsi Gabbard clarified her stance on the use of chemical weapons in Syria. She stated that chemical weapons had been used by both the Syrian government and various terrorist groups, and her initial skepticism was regarding incidents in 2017 that were used as an excuse for a U.S. military attack.
July 2019: Visited Puerto Rico and joined protests
In July 2019, Gabbard was the only 2020 presidential candidate to visit Puerto Rico and join protests urging Governor Ricardo Rosselló to resign.
August 2019: Campaign Publishes Reports on Chemical Attacks in Syria
In August 2019, the Tulsi 2020 presidential campaign published "Reports on Chemical Attacks in Syria", compiling analyses suggesting both sides had used chemical weapons, and expressed skepticism about the Khan Shaykhun and Douma attacks, raising concerns about reliance on unverified sources for military actions.
September 2019: Media coverage of Gabbard's campaign
In September 2019, media coverage of Gabbard's presidential campaign was summarized as highly negative, with claims of unfair maligning and scrutiny.
October 2019: Qualified for fourth debate
In October 2019, Gabbard qualified for the fourth Democratic primary debate in Ohio.
October 2019: Hillary Clinton suggested Gabbard was a 'Russian asset'
In October 2019, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton suggested that Gabbard was a "Russian asset". This led to widespread debate and defenses from other candidates.
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, due to her presidential campaign.
December 20, 2019: Stop Arming Terrorists Act Becomes Law
On December 20, 2019, the Stop Arming Terrorists Act, which Tulsi Gabbard introduced in 2017, became law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. The law prohibits the Department of Defense from knowingly providing weapons or support to Al Qaeda or other terrorist groups.
2019: Co-sponsor of the Armenian Genocide Resolution
In 2019, Tulsi Gabbard co-sponsored the Armenian Genocide Resolution, along with other U.S. senators and representatives, to ensure official U.S. recognition and permanent remembrance of the Armenian genocide.
2019: Amendment on Runit Dome Safety
In 2019, Tulsi Gabbard successfully passed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that required 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 filed a defamation lawsuit against Hillary Clinton
In January 2020, Gabbard filed a legal defamation lawsuit against Clinton over the 'Russian asset' assertion.
March 3, 2020: Earned delegates in American Samoa
On March 3, 2020, Gabbard earned two delegates in American Samoa, making her the second woman of color (after Shirley Chisholm) and the first Asian-American and Pacific-Islander presidential candidate to earn primary delegates.
March 2020: Drops out of Presidential Campaign
In March 2020, Tulsi Gabbard dropped out of her 2020 presidential campaign and endorsed Joe Biden.
March 19, 2020: Dropped out of the 2020 election and endorsed Joe Biden
On March 19, 2020, Gabbard dropped out of the 2020 election and endorsed former vice president Joe Biden.
June 2020: Transfer to the 351st Civil Affairs Command
In June 2020, Tulsi Gabbard transferred to the 351st Civil Affairs Command, a California-based United States Army Reserve unit assigned to the United States Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command.
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. Gabbard called for reforms to address military sexual harassment.
August 2020: Gabbard advocates for Jennifer Smith
In August 2020, Gabbard advocated for Jennifer Smith, a Hawaii Department of Health epidemiologist who reported issues with the state's COVID-19 contact tracing program.
September 2020: Gabbard converts campaign committee and criticizes Netflix film
In September 2020, Gabbard converted her presidential campaign committee, Tulsi Now, into Tulsi Aloha, a leadership PAC. Also that month, she criticized Netflix over the film Cuties.
October 2020: Gabbard Introduces Bills for 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. Gabbard also introduced a bill with Representative Thomas Massie advocating for Julian Assange's release from prison.
2020: Views on China
During her 2020 presidential campaign, Tulsi Gabbard criticized President Donald Trump's confrontational attitude towards China, proposed a cooperative relationship, and opposed his trade war, expressing concern about its effects and potential for escalation.
2020: Most Googled candidate after debates, criticized Kamala Harris
In 2020, Gabbard was the most frequently Googled candidate after several Democratic primary debates. During the second debate, she criticized Kamala Harris's record as attorney general of California.
2020: Criticism of U.S. Airstrike in Baghdad
In 2020, Tulsi Gabbard criticized the U.S. military's airstrike at Baghdad International Airport that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. She described it as an act of war by then-President Donald Trump and a violation of the U.S. Constitution, arguing that Trump lacked congressional authorization.
2020: Transfers to U.S. Army Reserve
In 2020, Tulsi Gabbard transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve.
2020: Island Music Awards 2020 presenter
In 2020, Tulsi Gabbard was a presenter at iHeartRadio Honolulu's virtual festival, Island Music Awards 2020.
2020: Tulsi 2020 Presidential Campaign
In August 2019, the Tulsi 2020 presidential campaign published "Reports on Chemical Attacks in Syria", compiling analyses suggesting both sides had used chemical weapons, and expressed skepticism about the Khan Shaykhun and Douma attacks, raising concerns about reliance on unverified sources for military actions.
January 2021: Launched podcast and criticized political figures
In January 2021, Gabbard launched her own podcast, called This is Tulsi Gabbard. She also criticized figures such as Nancy Pelosi and Adam Schiff, calling the latter a "domestic terrorist."
July 4, 2021: Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel
On July 4, 2021, Tulsi Gabbard was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel while deployed to the Horn of Africa, working as a civil affairs officer in support of a special operations mission. Subsequently, Gabbard was given the command of the 1st Battalion, 354th Regiment, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
2021: Promotion to Lieutenant Colonel
In 2021, Tulsi Gabbard achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.
March 13, 2022: Allegations of Parroting Russian Propaganda
On March 13, 2022, Mitt Romney accused Tulsi Gabbard of making bogus claims about a U.S.-funded covert biological weapons program in Ukraine and parroting false Russian propaganda.
August 2022: Fill-in host for Tucker Carlson Tonight
In August 2022, Gabbard started serving as the fill-in host for Tucker Carlson Tonight.
October 11, 2022: Left the Democratic Party
On October 11, 2022, Gabbard announced on Twitter that she was leaving the Democratic Party, citing issues with its leadership.
November 2022: Signed deal with Fox News
In November 2022, Gabbard signed a deal with Fox News as a paid contributor.
2022: Accusations Regarding Bioweapons Laboratories in Ukraine
Following Trump's nomination of Gabbard for DNI in November 2024, several news organizations reported that in 2022, Gabbard had accused the U.S. of running bioweapons laboratories in Ukraine, while others said she had clarified or "walked back" her remarks. Some outlets reported she had endorsed Moscow's claim about Ukraine using the labs to create bioweapons.
February 22, 2024: Featured speaker at CPAC
On February 22, 2024, Gabbard was a featured speaker at CPAC, raising speculation about her potential candidacy as a vice-presidential selection.
March 2024: Cited as potential running mate
In March 2024, Donald Trump cited Gabbard as one of his potential choices for his running mate.
August 26, 2024: Gabbard endorsed Trump's re-election bid
On August 26, 2024, 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.
October 22, 2024: Gabbard joined the Republican Party
On October 22, 2024, while speaking at a Trump rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, Gabbard announced she was joining the Republican Party.
November 13, 2024: Nominated as director of national intelligence
On November 13, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Gabbard as director of national intelligence (DNI), citing her military experience and leadership.
November 2024: Reports on Gabbard's Skepticism
In November 2024, news organizations reported that Tulsi Gabbard had called for evidence to be presented to Congress regarding the Assad regime's involvement in a gas attack.
2024: Second Amendment Institute Champion's Award
On June 20, 2024, the Second Amendment Institute awarded Champion's Award to Tulsi Gabbard at Second Amendment Institute’s Annual Champion Ceremony in Washington, DC.
January 27, 2025: Support from Former Officials
On January 27, 2025, Tulsi Gabbard received support from former intelligence and national security officials who believed she would depoliticize intelligence agencies. Libertarian-leaning GOP senators backed her anti-interventionist stance, and Victoria Coates emphasized the need for new intelligence leadership. Bernard Hudson praised her integrity and experience.
January 30, 2025: Testimony Before Senate 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 accusations of being influenced by various political figures, asserting her loyalty to God, her conscience, and the Constitution.
February 4, 2025: Nomination Advanced by Senate Committee
On February 4, 2025, Tulsi Gabbard's nomination was advanced by the Senate Intelligence Committee in a 9–8 party-line vote, after Senators Susan Collins and James Lankford voiced their support following clarifications on her stance on Snowden and surveillance policies.
February 10, 2025: Murkowski Supports Nomination
On February 10, 2025, Senator Lisa Murkowski announced her support for Tulsi Gabbard's nomination, citing her commitment to oversight and protecting civil liberties, despite past concerns.
February 11, 2025: Allegations of Parroting Russian Propaganda
On February 11, 2025, during Senate consideration of Tulsi Gabbard's nomination for DNI, Senator Jack Reed quoted Mitt Romney's tweet from March 13, 2022, accusing Gabbard of making bogus claims about a U.S.-funded covert biological weapons program in Ukraine and parroting false Russian propaganda.
February 12, 2025: Gabbard Sworn in as DNI
On February 12, 2025, Tulsi Gabbard was sworn in as the 8th Director of National Intelligence by Attorney General Pam Bondi. Gabbard assumed the role of leading 18 U.S. intelligence agencies and becoming the president's top intelligence advisor, promising to focus on the safety, security, and freedom of the American people. She is the first female military combat veteran, first Pacific Islander American, and first Hindu American to hold a Cabinet-level position.
February 2025: Confirmed as DNI
In February 2025, Tulsi Gabbard was confirmed by the Senate as DNI, becoming the highest-ranking Pacific Islander American government official in U.S. history.
March 2025: International Trip to Asia
In March 2025, Tulsi Gabbard made her second international trip as DNI, focusing on the Indo-Pacific region, including Japan, Thailand, and India. Before traveling to Asia, Gabbard stopped in Hawaii, which hosts the U.S. military’s Indo-Pacific Command headquarters. During her visit to India, Gabbard attended the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi and outlined the Trump administration's strategy for global peace and security.
May 2025: Consolidation of Intelligence Operations
In May 2025, Tulsi Gabbard's office announced the consolidation of intelligence operations, including moving the National Intelligence Council (NIC) to the DNI office building. Gabbard also took more control of the President’s Daily Brief and fired two NIC officials for "politicizing intelligence" and contradicting the Trump administration's position on Venezuelan gang members.
2025: Appointment as Director of National Intelligence
In 2025, Tulsi Gabbard assumed the role of Director of National Intelligence (DNI).
2035: Target Year for 100% Clean Energy
In 2017, Tulsi Gabbard introduced the Off Fossil Fuels (OFF) Act, which aimed for a transition to 100% clean energy by 2035.
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