History of Tulsi Gabbard in Timeline
Tulsi Gabbard is an American politician, United States Army Reserve officer, and political commentator. She served as the U.S. representative for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2021, making history as the first Samoan-American to become a voting member of Congress. Gabbard was a candidate for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 United States presidential election. In October 2022, she announced her departure from the Democratic Party to become an independent.
1915: Armenian Genocide Reference
In 2019, while co-sponsoring the Armenian Genocide Resolution, Tulsi Gabbard referred to the 1915 mass killings by the Ottoman Empire, emphasizing the intent to cleanse Armenian and Christian populations.
April 12, 1981: Birth of Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard was born on April 12, 1981, in Leloaloa, Maʻopūtasi County, American Samoa. She was the fourth of five children of Carol and Mike Gabbard.
1983: Relocation to Hawaii
In 1983, Tulsi Gabbard's family moved from American Samoa to Hawaii when she was two years old.
1998: Support for traditional marriage amendment in Hawaii
In 1998, teenage Tulsi Gabbard supported her father's campaign to amend Hawaii's Constitution to limit marriage to opposite-sex couples. The Alliance for Traditional Marriage spent over $100,000 opposing same-sex marriage.
1998: Involvement in Political Action Committees
Starting in 1998, Tulsi Gabbard became involved in various organizations including Stand Up For America (SUFA) and The Alliance for Traditional Marriage and Values, which aimed to pass an amendment reserving marriage to opposite-sex couples.
2002: Gabbard's first marriage to Eduardo Tamayo
At the age of 21, in 2002, Tulsi Gabbard married Eduardo Tamayo. Their marriage ended in divorce in 2006, citing the stresses of war and military life.
2002: Gabbard campaigns for Hawaii legislature
In 2002, Tulsi Gabbard campaigned for the Hawaii legislature, citing her experience working with her father to pass a constitutional amendment protecting traditional marriage as a qualification.
2002: Elected to Hawaii House of Representatives
In 2002, Tulsi Gabbard successfully ran for the Hawaii House of Representatives, becoming the youngest legislator in Hawaii's history at the age of 21.
2002: Elected to Hawaii House of Representatives
In 2002, Tulsi Gabbard was elected to the Hawaii House of Representatives at the age of 21, becoming the youngest legislator in Hawaii's history at that time.
2002: Youngest Legislator in Hawaii's History
In 2002, Tulsi Gabbard won the Democratic primary for the 42nd district of the Hawaii House of Representatives and the general election, becoming the youngest legislator in Hawaii's history at the age of 21.
April 2003: Enlistment in Hawaii Army National Guard
In April 2003, while serving in the Hawaii State Legislature, Tulsi Gabbard enlisted in the Hawaii Army National Guard.
July 2004: Deployment to Iraq
In July 2004, Tulsi Gabbard was deployed for a 12-month tour in Iraq, serving as a specialist with the Medical Company, 29th Support Battalion, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
August 2004: Decision Not to Campaign for Re-election
In August 2004, Tulsi Gabbard announced she would not campaign for a second term in the Hawaii House of Representatives due to her deployment in Iraq, leading to Rida Cabanilla winning the Democratic primary.
2004: Gabbard's deployment to Iraq
From 2004 to 2005, Tulsi Gabbard was deployed to Iraq, serving with the National Guard. This experience significantly impacted her life and career.
2004: Deployment to Iraq
In 2004, Tulsi Gabbard was deployed to Iraq with the Hawaii Army National Guard as a field medical unit member. She served a 12-month tour.
2004: Protest against civil unions in Hawaii
In 2004, 22-year-old Tulsi Gabbard led a protest against a bill to establish legal parity between same-sex civil unions and marriage, arguing it was dishonest and disrespectful to the will of Hawaii's people.
2004: Continued Activity in Political Organizations
Up until 2004, Tulsi Gabbard continued her involvement in organizations like Stand Up For America (SUFA) and The Alliance for Traditional Marriage and Values, which sought to influence marriage legislation in Hawaii.
2005: Completion of Iraq Deployment
Tulsi Gabbard completed her deployment in Iraq in 2005, serving at Logistical Support Area Anaconda with the Hawaii Army National Guard.
2005: Completion of Iraq Deployment
Tulsi Gabbard completed her deployment in Iraq in 2005, serving in a field medical unit of the Hawaii Army National Guard.
March 2007: Graduated from Officer Candidate School
In March 2007, Tulsi Gabbard graduated from the Accelerated Officer Candidate School at the Alabama Military Academy and was commissioned as a second lieutenant.
2008: Deployment to Kuwait
In 2008, Gabbard was stationed in Kuwait as an Army Military Police platoon leader with the Hawaii Army National Guard.
2008: Deployment to Kuwait
In 2008, Tulsi Gabbard was stationed in Kuwait as an Army Military Police officer, marking her second deployment.
2009: Gabbard returns from deployment and runs for City Council
After returning from her second deployment to the Middle East in 2009, Tulsi Gabbard ran for a seat on the Honolulu City Council, which was vacated by City Councilman Rod Tam.
2009: Completion of Deployment in Kuwait
In 2009, Tulsi Gabbard completed her deployment in Kuwait, serving as an Army Military Police officer and earning the distinction of being the first woman to receive an award of appreciation from the Kuwait National Guard.
2009: Graduation from Hawaii Pacific University
In 2009, Tulsi Gabbard graduated from Hawaii Pacific University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business.
2009: Completion of Deployment in Kuwait
Tulsi Gabbard completed her deployment in Kuwait in 2009, where she served as an Army Military Police platoon leader.
September 2010: Gabbard finishes first in nonpartisan primary
In September 2010, Tulsi Gabbard finished first with 26.8% of the vote in a 10-candidate nonpartisan open primary for a seat on the Honolulu City Council.
May 2011: Gabbard announces candidacy for U.S. House seat
In May 2011, Tulsi Gabbard announced her candidacy for the U.S. House seat vacated by Mazie Hirono, who was running for the U.S. Senate. Gabbard would go on to win the Democratic primary.
2011: US Involvement in Syrian Conflict
In 2018, Tulsi Gabbard asserted that the United States had been involved in a regime change war in Syria since 2011, criticizing the long-term U.S. foreign policy in the region.
November 6, 2012: Gabbard wins U.S. House seat
On November 6, 2012, Tulsi Gabbard won the general election for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district, defeating Republican Kawika Crowley and becoming the first voting Samoan-American and first Hindu member of Congress.
December 2012: Gabbard applies for U.S. Senate seat
In December 2012, Tulsi Gabbard applied to be considered for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the death of Daniel Inouye, but was not on the final list of candidates sent to the governor.
2012: Gabbard apologizes for anti-gay advocacy
In 2012, Tulsi Gabbard apologized for her past anti-gay advocacy and committed to fighting for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
January 22, 2013: Gabbard elected vice chair of DNC
On January 22, 2013, Tulsi Gabbard was unanimously elected to a four-year term as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee.
March 2013: Gabbard introduces Helping Heroes Fly Act
In March 2013, Tulsi Gabbard introduced the Helping Heroes Fly Act to improve airport security screenings for severely wounded veterans. The bill passed Congress and was signed into law by President Obama.
June 2013: Gabbard cosponsors legislation to repeal DOMA
In June 2013, Tulsi Gabbard was an initial cosponsor of legislation aimed at repealing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
November 25, 2013: John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award
On November 25, 2013, Tulsi Gabbard received the John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award at the Institute of Politics at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government for her efforts on behalf of veterans.
2013: Elected to U.S. Congress
In 2013, Tulsi Gabbard became the U.S. Representative for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district. She was the first Samoan-American to be a voting member of Congress.
2013: Gabbard takes oath on Bhagavad Gita
In 2013, Tulsi Gabbard took her oath of office using her personal copy of the Bhagavad Gita, reflecting her commitment to the Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism and its principles of Karma and Dharma.
2013: Gabbard Criticizes Obama Administration
Between 2013 and 2017, Tulsi Gabbard often criticized the Obama administration for not acknowledging 'radical Islam' as the 'real enemy' of the United States. She frequently expressed these views on Fox News, leveraging her experience as a veteran in Iraq to emphasize her stance against Islamic terrorism in the Middle East.
March 20, 2014: Elle Magazine Honors Tulsi Gabbard
On March 20, 2014, Elle magazine honored Tulsi Gabbard at the Italian Embassy in the United States during its annual "Women in Washington Power List".
November 8, 2014: Gabbard reelected to U.S. House
On November 8, 2014, Tulsi Gabbard was reelected to the U.S. House, defeating Republican Kawika Crowley once again.
2014: Presentation of Bhagavad Gita to PM Modi
In 2014, Tulsi Gabbard, as a Congresswoman, presented a copy of the Bhagavad Gita to India's Prime Minister Modi during his visit to the United States. She also supported the declaration of an International Yoga Day by the United Nations.
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: Gabbard criticizes DNC debate schedule
In September 2015, Tulsi Gabbard criticized DNC chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz's decision to hold only six debates during the 2016 Democratic presidential primaries and exclude any candidate participating in non-DNC sanctioned debates.
October 12, 2015: Promotion to Major
On October 12, 2015, Tulsi Gabbard was promoted from the rank of captain to major during a ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
October 13, 2015: Gabbard disinvited from Democratic debate
On October 13, 2015, Tulsi Gabbard was reportedly disinvited or asked to consider not coming to the Democratic debate in Las Vegas following her public criticisms of the DNC debate process.
2015: Marriage to Abraham Williams
In 2015, Tulsi Gabbard married freelance cinematographer and editor Abraham Williams in a traditional Vedic wedding ceremony.
February 28, 2016: Gabbard resigns as DNC vice chair to endorse Bernie Sanders
On February 28, 2016, Tulsi Gabbard resigned as vice chair of the DNC to endorse Bernie Sanders for the presidential nomination. She was the first congresswoman to endorse Sanders.
July 2016: Gabbard launches petition to end superdelegates
In July 2016, Tulsi Gabbard launched a petition to end the Democratic Party's process of appointing superdelegates in the nomination process.
November 8, 2016: Gabbard reelected to U.S. House
On November 8, 2016, Tulsi Gabbard was reelected to the U.S. House, defeating Republican nominee Angela Kaaihue.
December 2016: Gabbard's Talia's Law passed
In December 2016, Talia's Law, introduced by Tulsi Gabbard to prevent child abuse and neglect on military bases, was signed into law by President Obama.
December 2016: Gabbard's bill to award Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino veterans passed
In December 2016, Tulsi Gabbard's bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino and Filipino American veterans who fought in World War II was signed into law by President Obama.
2016: Gabbard's evolving stance on gay rights
During a 2016 interview, Tulsi Gabbard indicated that while her policy views on gay rights had changed, her personal views had not. She reiterated her changed stance after launching her presidential campaign in 2019, attributing it to her military experience with LGBTQ service members.
2016: Gabbard's stance on Medicaid eligibility and GMO labeling
In 2016, Tulsi Gabbard championed the reinstatement of Medicaid eligibility for people from the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau living in the U.S. She also addressed the national nursing shortage and supported clear GMO labeling, voting against a bill she deemed too weak.
2016: Gabbard Protests Dakota Access Pipeline
In 2016, Tulsi Gabbard protested the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota, standing with Native American groups and environmental activists.
2016: Resignation from DNC
In 2016, Tulsi Gabbard resigned from her position as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee to endorse Bernie Sanders' campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.
2016: Support for Diwali commemorative stamp
In 2016, Tulsi Gabbard supported the Hindu-American campaign for a Diwali commemorative stamp in the United States, highlighting the festival's values of righteousness that transcend different religions and backgrounds.
2016: Gabbard involved in DNC debate controversy
In 2016, Tulsi Gabbard was involved in a controversy surrounding the DNC debate schedule, criticizing the limited number of debates and exclusion rules.
2016: Gabbard assigned as Bernie Sanders' running mate in California
In the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Tulsi Gabbard was assigned as Bernie Sanders' running mate in California for any write-in votes, and received a vice-presidential vote from a Minnesota elector that was later invalidated.
January 18, 2017: Gabbard's Syria and Lebanon Mission
On January 18, 2017, Tulsi Gabbard embarked on a one-week 'fact-finding mission' to Syria and Lebanon. She met various political and religious leaders, as well as ordinary citizens, from both countries. During the trip, she had two unplanned meetings with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
April 2017: Gabbard on Assad and Chemical Weapons
In April 2017, Tulsi Gabbard expressed skepticism regarding claims that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad used chemical weapons against civilians in Khan Shaykhun. She supported the United Nations' efforts to collect evidence from the incident site.
2017: Gabbard Visits Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh
In 2017, Tulsi Gabbard was part of a team of U.S. lawmakers that visited Armenia, including the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. She faced criticism from Azerbaijan for the visit.
2017: Introduction of Stop Arming Terrorists Act
In 2017, Tulsi Gabbard introduced the Stop Arming Terrorists Act to prohibit the U.S. Department of Defense from providing weapons or any other form of support to Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations.
2017: Gabbard introduces the OFF Act
In 2017, Tulsi Gabbard introduced the Off Fossil Fuels (OFF) Act, which aimed to transition away from fossil fuels to 100% clean energy by 2035.
2017: Gabbard's Stance on Islamic Terrorism
Between 2013 and 2017, Tulsi Gabbard took a strong stand against Islamic terrorism in the Middle East. She criticized the Obama administration for its reluctance to label 'radical Islam' as the primary enemy of the United States.
2017: Gabbard endorses Keith Ellison for DNC chair
In 2017, Tulsi Gabbard endorsed Keith Ellison for the position of DNC chair in the chairmanship elections.
August 7, 2018: Ethics Issue with Campaign Video
On August 7, 2018, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported that the Hawaii Army National Guard instructed Tulsi Gabbard to remove a campaign video of her in uniform, which did not comply with military ethics rules. Her campaign complied and added a disclaimer to avoid implying military endorsement.
September 2018: Gabbard co-sponsors No More Presidential Wars Act
In September 2018, Tulsi Gabbard co-sponsored the No More Presidential Wars Act with Representative Walter Jones to reclaim Congress's responsibility to declare war.
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: Hawai'i Pacific University Paul T. C. Loo Distinguished Alumni
On October 16, 2018, Tulsi Gabbard was honored as Hawai'i Pacific University's 2018 Paul T. C. Loo Distinguished Alumni.
November 2018: Gabbard reelected to U.S. House
In November 2018, Tulsi Gabbard was reelected to the U.S. House, defeating Republican nominee Brian Evans.
2018: Gabbard introduces Securing America's Election Act
In 2018, Tulsi Gabbard introduced the Securing America's Election Act, a bill requiring all districts to use paper ballots to ensure an auditable paper trail.
2018: Gabbard on Syrian Conflict
In a 2018 interview with The Nation, Tulsi Gabbard claimed that the United States had been waging a regime change war in Syria since 2011. She reiterated her criticism of U.S. foreign policy in the region.
February 2019: Gabbard 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. CNN described her foreign policy platform as anti-interventionist and her economic platform as populist.
July 2019: Gabbard Visits Puerto Rico Amid 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.
October 2019: Gabbard Criticizes DNC, Participates in Fourth Debate
In October 2019, Tulsi Gabbard criticized the DNC's qualification criteria for the debates as not transparent after failing to meet the polling threshold for the third debate. She did qualify for the fourth debate but accused the media and the Democratic Party of 'rigging' the 2020 election. Gabbard also skipped the LULAC Latino Town Hall to appear on Hannity's TV show, where she criticized the Democrats' impeachment process.
October 25, 2019: Gabbard announces she will not seek reelection to the House
On October 25, 2019, Tulsi Gabbard announced she would not seek reelection to the House in 2020, citing her presidential campaign.
December 2019: Gabbard's vote on Trump's impeachment
In December 2019, Tulsi Gabbard voted 'present' during the House of Representatives' vote to impeach President Trump. She introduced H. Res. 766 to censure Trump for his foreign policy decisions, citing concerns about the political implications of impeachment.
December 20, 2019: Stop Arming Terrorists Act Becomes Law
On December 20, 2019, the Stop Arming Terrorists Act, introduced by Tulsi Gabbard 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: Gabbard Co-Sponsors Armenian Genocide Resolution
In 2019, Tulsi Gabbard co-sponsored the Armenian Genocide Resolution legislation to ensure official U.S. recognition and remembrance of the Armenian Genocide. She highlighted the historical significance of the 1915 mass killings.
2019: Gabbard's Amendment on Runit Dome
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. She called for 'fresh eyes' to ensure a more independent assessment of the waste site's safety.
2019: Gabbard apologizes again for anti-gay views
In 2019, Tulsi Gabbard apologized for her past anti-gay views, stating that her experiences in the military had changed her outlook. She received support from conservative pundit Tucker Carlson, journalist Glenn Greenwald, and openly gay representative Sean Patrick Maloney.
2019: CNN review of Gabbard's early career
In 2019, CNN reviewed Tulsi Gabbard's early career, highlighting her alignment with her father's mission to oppose same-sex marriage during her 2002 campaign for the Hawaii legislature.
January 2020: Gabbard Files Defamation Suit Against Clinton
In January 2020, Tulsi Gabbard filed a defamation lawsuit against Hillary Clinton in response to Clinton's suggestion that Gabbard was a Russian asset. Gabbard dropped the lawsuit five months later, with her lawyers citing the need to focus their attention elsewhere in a 'post-Covid world.'
January 2020: Gabbard Advocates Drug Legalization
In January 2020, while responding to a voter's question, Tulsi Gabbard called for the legalization and regulation of all drugs, citing Portugal's model for drug decriminalization.
March 3, 2020: Gabbard Earns Delegates in American Samoa
On March 3, 2020, Tulsi 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. She was also the only non-white Democratic party candidate to earn delegates in the 2020 election cycle.
March 2020: End of Presidential Campaign
In March 2020, Tulsi Gabbard ended her presidential candidacy and endorsed Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination.
March 19, 2020: Gabbard Drops Out of Presidential Race
On March 19, 2020, Tulsi Gabbard dropped out of the 2020 presidential election and endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden.
May 2020: Gabbard Endorses Isaac Wilson
In May 2020, Tulsi Gabbard gave her sole 2020 down-ballot endorsement to Democratic candidate Isaac Wilson, who was running for election to the 63rd district of the South Carolina House of Representatives. Wilson later lost in the general election.
June 2020: Gabbard Donates to Charities
In June 2020, Tulsi Gabbard donated about $4,400 to Direct Relief and the Semper Fi & America's Fund, raised from sales of excess campaign merchandise. The FEC later informed her that such fundraising efforts were not permitted after her campaign suspension in March.
June 2020: Gabbard Introduces CBD Amendment
In June 2020, Tulsi Gabbard introduced an amendment to the House version of the 2021 NDAA to allow members of the Armed Services to use products containing CBD and other hemp derivatives. The amendment was approved 336 to 71 as part of a package, although House leaders did not fight for its inclusion in the final bill.
June 2020: Transfer to Army Reserve
In June 2020, Tulsi Gabbard transferred from the Hawaii Army National Guard to the 351st Civil Affairs Command, a California-based United States Army Reserve unit.
July 2020: Gabbard Stands with Vanessa Guillén's Family
In July 2020, Tulsi Gabbard met with the family of Vanessa Guillén, a murdered U.S. Army soldier and victim of military sexual harassment, and later spoke at their news conference. Gabbard expressed her support for Guillén's family and all service members who have experienced sexual harassment or assault.
August 2020: Gabbard Participates in Virtual Summit
In August 2020, Tulsi Gabbard was a panelist on 'Electability' during The 19th Represents Virtual Summit. She spoke on a pre-recorded panel, albeit not in the live session made after Kamala Harris was announced as Joe Biden's running mate.
September 2020: Gabbard Converts Campaign Committee to PAC
In September 2020, Tulsi Gabbard filed paperwork with the FEC to convert her presidential campaign committee into Tulsi Aloha, a leadership PAC. She also criticized Netflix for allegedly fueling the child sex trafficking trade with the film 'Cuties.'
October 2020: Join Army Reserve
In October 2020, Tulsi Gabbard left the Hawaii Army National Guard to join the Army Reserve with a California-based unit.
October 2020: Gabbard and Gaetz introduce bill to drop charges against Edward Snowden
In October 2020, Tulsi Gabbard and Matt Gaetz introduced a bill calling for the U.S. to drop criminal charges against Edward Snowden. Gabbard also introduced a similar bill with Thomas Massie aimed at ensuring the release of Julian Assange from prison in the UK.
December 10, 2020: Introduction of the Protect Women's Sports Act
On December 10, 2020, Tulsi Gabbard and Republican U.S. Representative Markwayne Mullin introduced the Protect Women's Sports Act, which aimed to define Title IX protections based on biological sex. The bill received condemnation from LGBT organizations and activists.
December 2020: Gabbard Endorses Nina Turner
In December 2020, Tulsi Gabbard endorsed and her Tulsi Aloha PAC donated $2,800 to Nina Turner for the 2021 special election for Ohio's 11th congressional district.
2020: Gabbard's 2020 Presidential Campaign Platform
In 2020, Tulsi Gabbard's domestic policy platform for her presidential campaign was noted for being economically and socially progressive. After the campaign, she aligned with Republicans on some cultural and social issues.
2020: Stop Arming Terrorists Act Implementation
In 2020, the Stop Arming Terrorists Act, which Tulsi Gabbard introduced in 2017, was implemented as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. The law aims to prevent the U.S. Department of Defense from supporting terrorist groups.
2020: Gabbard on Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
In 2020, Tulsi Gabbard accused Turkey of inciting the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. She co-signed a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, expressing concern over Azerbaijan's aggression and Turkey's involvement, including sending Al-Qaeda associated proxies to the region.
2020: Gabbard Criticizes Soleimani Airstrike
In 2020, Tulsi Gabbard criticized the U.S. military's airstrike on Baghdad International Airport, which killed high-level Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. She argued that the act was a violation of the U.S. Constitution, as President Trump did not have congressional authorization for the airstrike.
2020: Presidential Campaign
In 2020, Tulsi Gabbard was a candidate for the Democratic nomination in the United States presidential election before ending her campaign in March 2020 and endorsing Joe Biden.
2020: Gabbard mentioned as possible presidential candidate
In 2020, Tulsi Gabbard was mentioned as a possible presidential candidate following her role as Bernie Sanders' running mate in California for any write-in votes.
January 3, 2021: Departure from Congress
On January 3, 2021, Tulsi Gabbard left the House of Representatives after her term ended.
January 2021: Gabbard Launches Podcast
In January 2021, Tulsi Gabbard launched her own podcast, 'This is Tulsi Gabbard.' She also made several appearances on Fox News, criticizing figures like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Representative Adam Schiff.
July 4, 2021: Promotion to Lieutenant Colonel
On July 4, 2021, Tulsi Gabbard was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the United States Army Reserve.
November 2021: Gabbard Comments on Youngkin's Victory
In November 2021, Tulsi Gabbard called the victory of Republican Glenn Youngkin in the Virginia Gubernatorial election a victory for all Americans. She later expressed support for Florida's Parental Rights Bill and spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference.
2021: End of Congressional Term
Tulsi Gabbard's term as the U.S. Representative for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district ended in 2021.
2021: NDAA Amendment
In 2021, despite the approval of Tulsi Gabbard's amendment allowing Armed Services members to use CBD products, the House leaders did not push for its inclusion in the final National Defense Authorization Act.
2021: Biden Recognizes Armenian Genocide
In 2021, despite opposition from Turkey, President Biden recognized the Ottoman-era mass killings of Armenians as a genocide. This followed efforts by Tulsi Gabbard and other lawmakers to secure official U.S. recognition.
March 2022: Gabbard on Russia and Ukraine
In March 2022, Tulsi Gabbard claimed that NATO and the Biden administration's stance on Ukraine's potential NATO membership provoked the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. She argued against economic sanctions on Russia, suggesting that they would harm Americans with higher oil and gas prices. Gabbard also stated that media freedom in Russia was 'not so different' from that in the United States, a claim PolitiFact described as false.
April 4, 2022: Gabbard endorses Florida's Parental Rights Bill
On April 4, 2022, Tulsi Gabbard endorsed Florida's Parental Rights Bill, which restricts discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools for grades K-3. She suggested the bill should apply to all grades.
October 11, 2022: Gabbard Leaves Democratic Party
On October 11, 2022, Tulsi Gabbard announced via Twitter that she was leaving the Democratic Party. She accused its leadership of 'cowardly wokeness, anti-white racism, (being) hostile to people of faith and spirituality, and dragging us closer to nuclear war.' Following this, she endorsed several Republican candidates for the 2022 midterm elections, including Senate candidates Don Bolduc, Adam Laxalt, and J. D. Vance, as well as Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake.
October 2022: Departure from Democratic Party
In October 2022, Tulsi Gabbard announced she had officially left the Democratic Party to become an independent, citing disagreements with the party's stance on foreign policy and social issues.
October 2022: Tulsi Gabbard Leaves Democratic Party
In October 2022, Tulsi Gabbard announced she was leaving the Democratic Party to become an independent. She cited disagreements with the party's positions on foreign policy and social issues as reasons for her departure.
November 2022: Gabbard Signs Deal with Fox News
In November 2022, it was announced that Tulsi Gabbard had signed a deal with Fox News as a paid contributor. After years of being a frequent guest on several of their programs, she now serves as a frequent guest and occasional host on shows such as The Five, Outnumbered, Hannity, Jesse Watters Primetime, and Gutfeld!.
October 7, 2023: Gabbard condemns Hamas attack on Israel
On October 7, 2023, Tulsi Gabbard strongly condemned the attack by Hamas on Israel, labeling Hamas as an Islamist terrorist organization.
November 2023: Gabbard attends pro-Israel rally
In November 2023, Tulsi Gabbard attended a pro-Israel rally against antisemitism held at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., demonstrating her support for Israel.
2023: Gabbard Hosts Tucker Carlson Tonight
In 2023, Tulsi Gabbard served as a frequent guest host of Tucker Carlson Tonight until its cancellation. Her role further solidified her relationship with Fox News.
February 2024: Trump and Gabbard Discuss Foreign Policy
In February 2024, Donald Trump met with Tulsi Gabbard, who has been an outspoken critic of aid to Ukraine, to discuss the future of U.S. foreign policy in case of his re-election.
February 22, 2024: Gabbard at CPAC 2024
On February 22, 2024, Tulsi Gabbard was a featured speaker at CPAC, raising speculation that she might be a potential vice presidential candidate for Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 election.
March 6, 2024: Gabbard Addresses VP Speculation
During a Fox & Friends interview on March 6, 2024, Tulsi Gabbard responded to questions about serving as Donald Trump's vice-president. She stated, 'I would be honored to serve our country in that way and be in a position to help President Trump.'
March 2024: Trump Considers Gabbard for VP
In March 2024, Donald Trump publicly cited Tulsi Gabbard as one of his potential choices for his vice presidential running mate, further fueling speculation about her political future.
2024: Potential Vice President Contender
Tulsi Gabbard has been considered a potential Vice President contender for the 2024 presidential elections, possibly running with former President Donald Trump.