History of Tulsi Gabbard in Timeline

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Tulsi Gabbard

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 previously served as the U.S. Representative for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2021. Formerly a Democrat, Gabbard switched to the Republican Party in 2024. She was notably the youngest state legislator in Hawaii, serving from 2002 to 2004.

1915: Gabbard Co-Sponsors Armenian Genocide Resolution

In 2019, Tulsi Gabbard co-sponsored the Armenian Genocide Resolution to officially recognize the Armenian genocide and stated that the Ottoman Empire attempted to cleanse itself of Armenian and Christian populations during the 1915 mass killings.

1988: Gabbard's parents open vegetarian restaurant

In 1988, Gabbard's parents opened a small vegetarian restaurant, The Natural Deli, in Moiliili, Hawaii.

1992: Gabbard's parents close vegetarian restaurant

In 1992, Gabbard's parents closed their small vegetarian restaurant, The Natural Deli, in Moiliili, Hawaii.

1998: Support for Father's Campaign Opposing Gay Marriage

In 1998, when she was 17 years old, Tulsi Gabbard supported her father's campaign to amend the Constitution of Hawaii to give lawmakers the power to "reserve marriage to opposite-sex couples".

2002: Gabbard Marries Eduardo Tamayo

At the age of 21, in 2002, Tulsi Gabbard married Eduardo Tamayo.

2004: Gabbard Deployed to Iraq

From 2004 to 2005, Tulsi Gabbard was deployed to Iraq, serving with the National Guard.

2005: Gabbard Deployed to Iraq

From 2004 to 2005, Tulsi Gabbard was deployed to Iraq, serving with the National Guard.

2006: Gabbard Divorces Eduardo Tamayo

In 2006, Tulsi Gabbard divorced Eduardo Tamayo, citing "the stresses war places on military spouses and families" as a reason.

2007: First US lawmaker since Nancy Pelosi to visit Syria

In January 2017, Tulsi Gabbard visited Syria and Lebanon, becoming the first US lawmaker since Nancy Pelosi in 2007 to travel to Syria. The visit was made under a travel warning issued by the United States Department of State.

2011: Gabbard Characterized U.S. actions in Syria as Regime Change War

In 2018, Tulsi Gabbard characterized the U.S. involvement in Syria since 2011 as a regime change war.

2012: Apology for Anti-Gay Advocacy

In 2012, Tulsi Gabbard apologized for her "anti-gay advocacy" and said she would "fight for the repeal" of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

January 22, 2013: Elected as DNC Vice Chair

On January 22, 2013, Tulsi Gabbard was unanimously elected as a vice chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

June 2013: Cosponsor of Legislation to Repeal DOMA

In June 2013, Tulsi Gabbard was an initial cosponsor of the legislation to repeal DOMA.

November 25, 2013: Gabbard receives 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: Support for Immigration Reform

Between 2013 and 2021, Tulsi Gabbard expressed support for an easier path to citizenship for immigrants without legal status, increasing skilled immigration, and granting work visas to immigrants.

2013: Criticism of Obama's Refusal to Label Islamic Extremism

During her appearances on Fox News between 2013 and 2017, Tulsi Gabbard faulted President Obama over his refusal to refer to the Islamic State's beliefs and terrorism as "Islamic extremism" or "radical Islam".

2013: Signing of Amicus Brief Supporting Gay Marriage

In 2013, Tulsi Gabbard signed an amicus brief supporting gay marriage, signaling a change from her earlier stance.

2013: Gabbard Takes Oath of Office with Bhagavad Gita

In 2013, Tulsi Gabbard took the oath of office using her personal copy of the Bhagavad Gita, reflecting her Hindu values and spiritual guidance.

March 20, 2014: Gabbard Honored by Elle Magazine

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: Gabbard presents Bhagavad Gita to Narendra Modi

In 2014, as a Congresswoman, Tulsi Gabbard presented a copy of the Bhagavad Gita to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the United States. Gabbard also supported Modi's efforts for the declaration of an International Yoga Day by the United Nations.

February 26, 2015: Gabbard receives 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: Gabbard receives 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's Debate Limits

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 2015: Asked Not to Attend Debate

Following her criticism of Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Tulsi Gabbard was reportedly asked not to attend the October 2015 debate in Las Vegas.

2015: Gabbard Marries Abraham Williams

In 2015, Tulsi Gabbard married freelance cinematographer and editor Abraham Williams in a traditional Vedic Hindu wedding.

2015: Meeting with Egyptian Dictator al-Sisi

In 2015, Tulsi Gabbard met with Egyptian dictator 'Abd al-Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo. She commended Sisi for his "great courage and leadership" in his regime's war against "Islamist ideology", which drew widespread criticism.

2015: Support for Increased Border Security

In 2015, Tulsi Gabbard, along with 47 other Democrats, expressed support for increased border security and voted with Republicans for vetting of Iraqi and Syrian refugees. Gabbard also called for halting the visa waiver program.

2015: Criticism of Obama's Administration on Islamic Extremists

In a 2015 interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer, Tulsi Gabbard criticized the Obama administration for "refusing" to say that the "real enemy" of the United States is Islamic extremists. Gabbard expressed reservations about the U.S. involvement in Syrian civil war.

February 28, 2016: Resigned 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.

2016: Description of Foreign Policy Stance

During an interview with the West Hawaii Today newspaper in 2016, Tulsi Gabbard described herself as a hawk "when it comes to the war against terrorists", but a dove "when it comes to counterproductive wars of regime change".

2016: Support for Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

In 2016, Tulsi Gabbard co-signed a letter requesting the Obama administration to address the tribal concerns about the Dakota Access Pipeline, showing support for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

2016: Gabbard Supports Diwali Commemorative Stamp

In 2016, Tulsi Gabbard supported the campaign by Hindu Americans for a Diwali commemorative stamp in the United States, highlighting the values of righteousness honored by the festival.

2016: Opposition to GMO-Labeling Bill

In 2016, Tulsi Gabbard voted against a GMO-labeling bill she said was too weak, while supporting clear GMO labeling.

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, meeting with political and religious leaders, including Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

April 2017: Gabbard's Interview on CNN Regarding the Khan Shaykhun Chemical Attack

In April 2017, following the Khan Shaykhun chemical attack, Tulsi Gabbard expressed skepticism in an interview on CNN. She emphasized the need for evidence before denouncing Assad as a war criminal and cautioned against repeating past mistakes like the Iraq War without clear evidence and congressional consent, supporting the UN's effort to collect evidence from the scene of the incident.

2017: Criticism of Obama's Refusal to Label Islamic Extremism

During her appearances on Fox News between 2013 and 2017, Tulsi Gabbard faulted President Obama over his refusal to refer to the Islamic State's beliefs and terrorism as "Islamic extremism" or "radical Islam".

2017: Stop Arming Terrorists Act introduced

In 2017, Tulsi Gabbard introduced the Stop Arming Terrorists Act that became law on December 20, 2019 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020.

2017: Gabbard Visits Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh

In 2017, Tulsi Gabbard visited Armenia, including the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, as part of a U.S. lawmaker team, leading to her being blacklisted by Azerbaijan.

2017: Gabbard's Statement on Syrian Rebels and the Syrian Government

In 2017, following her visit to Syria, Tulsi Gabbard stated that there is no difference between moderate rebels, al-Qaeda (al-Nusra), and ISIS, characterizing the conflict as a war between terrorists and the Syrian government.

2017: Gabbard Clarifies Stance on 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 have been used by both the Syrian government and terrorist groups, specifying that her skepticism was regarding incidents in 2017 used to justify U.S. military action in Syria.

September 30, 2018: Gabbard receives 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: Gabbard honored as HPU Distinguished Alumni

On October 16, 2018, Tulsi Gabbard was honored as Hawaii Pacific University's 2018 Paul T. C. Loo Distinguished Alumni.

2018: Gabbard Characterized U.S. actions in Syria as Regime Change War

In 2018, Tulsi Gabbard characterized the U.S. involvement in Syria since 2011 as a regime change war.

February 2019: Reports on Gabbard's Skepticism Regarding Assad's Regime

In February 2019, Politico reported on Tulsi Gabbard calling for evidence to be presented to Congress on Assad's regime. This skepticism also reappeared during her presidential campaign and after being nominated for DNI.

February 2019: Gabbard's Statements on Assad and U.S. Foreign Policy

In February 2019, a month after starting her presidential campaign, Tulsi Gabbard stated in an MSNBC interview that Assad is not the enemy of the United States because Syria doesn't pose a direct threat. In a CNN interview, she acknowledged Assad as a brutal dictator but questioned the U.S. role in regime change wars.

March 10, 2019: Gabbard Clarifies Stance on 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 have been used by both the Syrian government and terrorist groups, specifying that her skepticism was regarding incidents in 2017 used to justify U.S. military action in Syria.

July 2019: Visited Puerto Rico and Joined 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.

August 2019: Gabbard's Comments on Assad and Regime Change Wars

In August 2019, Tulsi Gabbard described Assad as a brutal dictator, similar to Saddam Hussein and Gadhafi. She emphasized her opposition to regime change wars due to their high human cost and impact on military personnel.

August 2019: Tulsi 2020 Campaign Publishes Report on Chemical Attacks in Syria

In August 2019, the Tulsi 2020 presidential campaign released a compilation of analyses and reports on chemical attacks in Syria. The report suggested that both sides had used chemical weapons, with Gabbard remaining skeptical about the Khan Shaykhun and Douma attacks, citing concerns about the reliance on social media and unverified sources.

October 2019: Qualified for the Fourth Presidential Debate

In October 2019, Tulsi Gabbard qualified for the fourth Democratic presidential debate in Ohio.

October 2019: Hillary Clinton Suggests Gabbard Was a 'Russian Asset'

In October 2019, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton suggested that Tulsi Gabbard was a "Russian asset", leading to widespread reactions and defenses from fellow candidates and others.

December 2019: Vote of "Present" on Trump Impeachment

In December 2019, Tulsi Gabbard voted "present" during the House of Representatives vote to impeach President Trump, citing The Federalist Papers essay No. 65 and protesting what she saw as a political zero-sum game. She also introduced H. Res. 766 to censure Trump.

December 20, 2019: Stop Arming Terrorists Act Becomes Law

On December 20, 2019, the Stop Arming Terrorists Act that Tulsi Gabbard introduced in 2017, became law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. The act prohibits the Department of Defense from supporting Al Qaeda or other terrorist groups.

2019: Apology for Past Anti-Gay Views After Launching Presidential Campaign

After launching her presidential campaign in 2019, Tulsi Gabbard apologized for her past anti-gay views, attributing the change to her experiences in the military.

2019: Gabbard Co-Sponsors Armenian Genocide Resolution

In 2019, Tulsi Gabbard co-sponsored the Armenian Genocide Resolution to officially recognize the Armenian genocide and stated that the Ottoman Empire attempted to cleanse itself of Armenian and Christian populations during the 1915 mass killings.

2019: Gabbard Affirms Putin as a U.S. Adversary

In 2019, Tulsi Gabbard stated on MSNBC's Morning Joe that she views Putin as a U.S. adversary.

2019: Amendment for Runit Dome Reexamination

In 2019, Tulsi Gabbard successfully passed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would require 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: Call for Legalizing and Regulating All Drugs

In January 2020, Tulsi Gabbard called for legalizing and regulating all drugs, citing Portugal's model for drug decriminalization.

January 2020: Filed Defamation Lawsuit Against Clinton

In January 2020, Tulsi Gabbard filed a legal defamation lawsuit against Hillary Clinton over the 'Russian asset' assertion; however, it was later dropped.

June 2020: Introduction of Amendment to Allow CBD Use for Armed Services

In June 2020, Tulsi Gabbard introduced an amendment to the House version of the 2021 NDAA to allow members of Armed Services to use products containing CBD and other hemp derivatives.

2020: Gabbard Critiques Trump's China Policy

During her 2020 presidential campaign, Tulsi Gabbard criticized President Donald Trump's confrontational attitude towards China and proposed a cooperative relationship, expressing opposition to his trade war and concern it could lead to a 'hot war'. She also stated that the trade war made it harder to secure Chinese support on a nuclear deal with North Korea.

2020: Gabbard on the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

In 2020, Tulsi Gabbard accused Turkey of encouraging and inciting the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and co-signed a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressing concern over Azerbaijan's renewed aggression against Artsakh and possible conflict with Armenia.

2020: Introduction of the "Protect Women's Sports Act"

In 2020, Tulsi Gabbard and Republican U.S. representative Markwayne Mullin introduced a bill titled the "Protect Women's Sports Act" that would seek to define Title IX protections on the basis of an individual's biological sex. Following this, she faced condemnation from LGBTQ organizations.

2020: Criticism of Soleimani Airstrike

In 2020, Tulsi Gabbard criticized the U.S. military's Baghdad International Airport airstrike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, calling it an act of war by President Donald Trump and a violation of the U.S. Constitution.

2020: Gabbard presents at Island Music Awards

In 2020, Tulsi Gabbard was a presenter at iHeartRadio Honolulu's virtual festival, Island Music Awards 2020.

2020: Stop Arming Terrorists Act Enacted

In 2020, the Stop Arming Terrorists Act that Tulsi Gabbard introduced in 2017, was enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020.

2020: Shift in Political Positions

In 2020, while in Democratic presidential primary, Tulsi Gabbard's political positions were liberal on domestic policy issues. After 2020, she took more positions aligned with the Republican Party, including introducing a bill to ban trans-women from female sports.

2020: Tulsi 2020 Campaign Publishes Report on Chemical Attacks in Syria

In August 2019, the Tulsi 2020 presidential campaign released a compilation of analyses and reports on chemical attacks in Syria. The report suggested that both sides had used chemical weapons, with Gabbard remaining skeptical about the Khan Shaykhun and Douma attacks, citing concerns about the reliance on social media and unverified sources.

January 2021: Launched Podcast and Criticized Political Figures

In January 2021, Tulsi Gabbard launched her own podcast, called This is Tulsi Gabbard. She also made several appearances on Fox News programs since leaving Congress, where she criticized figures such as House speaker Nancy Pelosi and U.S. representative Adam Schiff.

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November 2021: Celebrated Youngkin's Victory in Virginia

In November 2021, Tulsi Gabbard celebrated the victory of Republican candidate Glenn Youngkin in the Virginia Gubernatorial election over Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe.

2021: Support for Immigration Reform

Between 2013 and 2021, Tulsi Gabbard expressed support for an easier path to citizenship for immigrants without legal status, increasing skilled immigration, and granting work visas to immigrants.

2021: Biden Recognizes Armenian Genocide

In 2021, despite opposition by Turkey, President Joe Biden recognized the Ottoman-era mass killings of Armenians as a genocide.

2021: NDAA amendment Approved

In 2021, the amendment introduced by Tulsi Gabbard in June 2020 to allow members of Armed Services to use products containing CBD and other hemp derivatives, was approved 336 to 71 as a package.

February 11, 2022: Gabbard Suggests Guaranteeing Ukraine's Non-Membership in NATO

On February 11, 2022, amidst the build-up to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Tulsi Gabbard suggested that President Biden could prevent war with Russia by guaranteeing that Ukraine would not become a member of NATO. She blamed "warmongers" and suggested the U.S. might want Russia to invade to impose sanctions and start a new Cold War.

March 9, 2022: Gabbard Expresses Concern Over Bio Agents in Ukraine

On March 9, 2022, Tulsi Gabbard expressed extreme concern over unsecured dangerous bio agents in Ukraine's research facilities during an interview with Tucker Carlson, stating that this situation is a global crisis due to the presence of these pathogens in a war zone.

March 13, 2022: Senator Reed Comments on Gabbard's Nomination for DNI

On February 11, 2025, during Senate consideration of the nomination of Tulsi Gabbard for DNI, Senator Jack Reed referenced Mitt Romney's tweet from March 13, 2022, accusing Gabbard of parroting false Russian propaganda regarding a covert biological weapons program in Ukraine and suggesting her lies may cost lives.

April 4, 2022: Gabbard Criticizes Putin's Attack on Ukraine

On April 4, 2022, Tulsi Gabbard tweeted, criticizing President Putin's attack on Ukraine as reprehensible and a huge geopolitical error, urging him to withdraw Russian forces for the benefit of both the Russian and Ukrainian people.

April 2022: Expressed Support for Florida's Parental Rights Bill

In April 2022, Tulsi Gabbard expressed support for Florida's Parental Rights Bill, stating that it should have continued all the way through twelfth grade.

August 2022: Started Hosting Tucker Carlson Tonight

In August 2022, Tulsi Gabbard started serving as the fill-in host for Tucker Carlson Tonight.

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October 11, 2022: Announced Departure from the Democratic Party

On October 11, 2022, Tulsi Gabbard announced on Twitter that she was leaving the Democratic Party, accusing its leadership of various issues.

November 2022: Signed Deal with Fox News

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.

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2022: Open to Border Wall Proposal

By 2022, Tulsi Gabbard said she would be open to a proposal for a border wall if experts say it is warranted.

2022: Endorsement of Florida Parental Rights in Education Act

In 2022, Tulsi Gabbard endorsed the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act, which restricts discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida public schools. She expressed support for the bill's aim to prevent 'indoctrinating woke sexual values'.

2022: Featured Speaker at CPAC

In 2022, Tulsi Gabbard was a featured speaker at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). She also frequently criticized the Biden administration.

2022: Reports on Gabbard's Accusations Regarding Bioweapons Labs in Ukraine

In 2022, after Trump nominated Gabbard for DNI in November 2024, several news organizations reported that Gabbard had accused the US of running bioweapons laboratories in Ukraine, while others stated that she had clarified or 'walked back' her remarks. Reports varied on whether she endorsed claims that Ukraine was creating deadly bioweapons or expressed concerns about U.S.-funded biolabs.

October 7, 2023: Condemnation of Hamas Attack on Israel

After Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, Tulsi Gabbard strongly supported Israel and condemned Hamas, calling it an Islamist terrorist organization.

November 2023: Attendance at March for Israel

In November 2023, Tulsi Gabbard attended the March for Israel at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

December 2023: Gabbard Questions Remilitarization of Japan

In December 2023, Tulsi Gabbard questioned the remilitarization of Japan, urging caution to avoid repeating past conflicts due to shortsighted leadership.

February 22, 2024: Featured Speaker 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: Considered 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: Endorsed 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.

August 30, 2024: Milbank's Accusation of Gabbard Endorsing Russian Propaganda

On August 30, 2024, Dana Milbank wrote in a Washington Post op-ed accusing Tulsi Gabbard of endorsing Russian propaganda by falsely claiming the United States was funding biological laboratories in Ukraine that could spread dangerous pathogens.

October 22, 2024: Announced Joining the Republican Party

On October 22, 2024, Tulsi Gabbard announced that she was joining the Republican Party while speaking at a Trump rally in Greensboro, North Carolina.

November 13, 2024: Nominated as Director of National Intelligence

On November 13, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence (DNI).

November 2024: Reports on Gabbard's Skepticism Regarding Assad's Regime

In November 2024, the BBC reported on Tulsi Gabbard calling for evidence to be presented to Congress on Assad's regime. This skepticism also reappeared during her presidential campaign and after being nominated for DNI.

2024: Gabbard discusses IVF struggles

In 2024, Tulsi Gabbard mentioned on Meghan McCain's podcast that she and Abraham Williams had tried to start a family and had undergone several in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures, without success.

2024: Report on Gabbard's Foreign Policy Positions and Russian Media

In 2024, the New York Times reported that while some lawmakers have accused Tulsi Gabbard of holding foreign policy positions sympathetic to Russia, resulting in praise from Russian media, there is no evidence of a connection between Gabbard and Russian agencies. Her advocacy for improved US-Russian ties has made her popular in Russian state media.

2024: Gabbard's affiliation with the SIF

In 2024, the Trump transition team stated that Gabbard has "no affiliation" with the Science of Identity Foundation (SIF).

January 27, 2025: Former Officials Expressed Support for Gabbard

On January 27, 2025, former intelligence and national security officials expressed support for Tulsi Gabbard's nomination as director of national intelligence, asserting she would help depoliticize intelligence agencies.

January 30, 2025: Testified Before Senate Committee

On January 30, 2025, Tulsi Gabbard testified before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, pledging to separate her political views from her official duties.

February 4, 2025: Senate Intelligence Committee Advances Gabbard's Nomination

On February 4, 2025, the Senate Intelligence Committee advanced Tulsi Gabbard's nomination in a 9–8 party-line vote.

February 10, 2025: Senator Murkowski Announces Support for Gabbard

On February 10, 2025, Senator Lisa Murkowski announced her support for Tulsi Gabbard's nomination, citing her commitment to oversight and civil liberties.

February 11, 2025: Senator Reed Comments on Gabbard's Nomination for DNI

On February 11, 2025, during Senate consideration of the nomination of Tulsi Gabbard for DNI, Senator Jack Reed referenced Mitt Romney's tweet from March 13, 2022, accusing Gabbard of parroting false Russian propaganda regarding a covert biological weapons program in Ukraine and suggesting her lies may cost lives.

February 12, 2025: Gabbard Sworn in as Director of National Intelligence

On February 12, 2025, Tulsi Gabbard was sworn in as the 8th Director of National Intelligence, becoming the first female military combat veteran, Pacific Islander American, and Hindu American to hold a Cabinet-level position. She vowed to focus on American safety, security, and freedom.

March 2025: Gabbard's International Trip to Asia

In March 2025, as DNI, Tulsi Gabbard's second international trip focused on the Indo-Pacific, including stops in Japan, Thailand, and India. Before Asia, Gabbard stopped in Hawaii, home to the U.S. military’s Indo-Pacific Command headquarters. In India, Gabbard attended the Raisina Dialogue.