Tulsi Gabbard's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Tulsi Gabbard.

Tulsi Gabbard is an American politician and military officer currently serving as the Director of National Intelligence since 2025. A Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve since 2021, she previously served as a U.S. Representative for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district (2013-2021). Gabbard's political affiliations have shifted over time, beginning as a Democrat, becoming an Independent in 2022, and later joining the Republican Party in 2024. She was also the youngest state legislator in Hawaii from 2002 to 2004.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

2002: Won Election to Hawaii House of Representatives

In 2002, Tulsi Gabbard won the general election with 60.7% of the vote, defeating Republican Alfonso Jimenez and 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.

2005: Received Combat Medical Badge

In 2005, Tulsi Gabbard received a Combat Medical Badge for participation in combat operations under enemy hostile fire in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III. She has also been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal from the United States and she received the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency.

March 2007: Graduated from Alabama Military Academy

In March 2007, Tulsi Gabbard 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.

2009: Served in Kuwait

In 2009, Tulsi Gabbard was one of the first women to enter a Kuwaiti military facility, as well as the first woman to receive an award of appreciation from the Kuwait National Guard.

2012: Spoke at Democratic National Convention

In 2012, Tulsi Gabbard spoke at the Democratic National Convention and in the general election, she defeated Republican Kawika Crowley with 80.6% of the vote, becoming the first voting Samoan American and the first Hindu member of Congress.

2012: Elected to the 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.

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.

March 20, 2014: Elle magazine honors Gabbard

On March 20, 2014, Elle magazine honored Tulsi Gabbard and others at the Italian Embassy in the United States during its annual "Women in Washington Power List".

February 26, 2015: Gabbard receives 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: 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.

2016: Reelected to Congress

In 2016, Tulsi Gabbard was reelected with 81.2% of the vote, defeating Republican Angela Kaaihue.

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 Hawaii Pacific University's Distinguished Alumni

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

2018: Amendment to Improve Protective Equipment

In 2018, Tulsi Gabbard successfully passed an amendment to improve protective equipment for civil defense agencies near volcanic activity.

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, prohibiting the Department of Defense from knowingly providing weapons or support to Al Qaeda or other terrorist groups.

March 3, 2020: Earned Delegates in American Samoa

On March 3, 2020, Tulsi 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.

November 2020: Reinstatement of Jennifer Smith

In November 2020, Jennifer Smith, who Tulsi Gabbard advocated for, was reinstated in her position.

June 20, 2024: Second Amendment Institute awards Champion's Award to Tulsi Gabbard

On June 20, 2024, the Second Amendment Institute awarded the Champion's Award to Tulsi Gabbard at the Institute’s Annual Champion Ceremony in Washington, DC.

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 the position. She pledged to focus on the safety and security of the American people and echoed claims of politicization within the intelligence community.

February 2025: Confirmed as DNI

In February 2025, Tulsi Gabbard was confirmed by the Senate as Director of National Intelligence, becoming the highest-ranking Pacific Islander American government official in U.S. history.