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 U.S. military officer who served as the U.S. representative for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2021 and in the Hawaii House of Representatives from 2002 to 2004. Once a member of the Democratic Party, she became an independent before joining the Republican Party in 2024. She became the eighth director of national intelligence (DNI) since 2025.

Sections (5)

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

2005: Served in Iraq

From 2004 to 2005, Tulsi Gabbard was deployed to Iraq, serving as a specialist with a medical unit and received the Combat Medical Badge.

2005: Received Combat Medical Badge

In 2005, Tulsi Gabbard received a Combat Medical Badge for participation in combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

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).

November 25, 2013: Receives John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award

On November 25, 2013, Tulsi Gabbard received the John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award from the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School for her efforts on behalf of veterans.

March 20, 2014: Honored by Elle magazine

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: Receives County Alumni Award

On February 26, 2015, Tulsi Gabbard received the County Alumni Award from the National Association of Counties for her commitment to the nation's counties.

July 15, 2015: 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.

December 2016: Bill to Award Congressional Gold Medal Signed into Law

In December 2016, a bill co-sponsored by Gabbard to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino and Filipino American veterans of World War II was signed into law by President Obama.

September 30, 2018: 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.

October 16, 2018: 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 that Tulsi Gabbard introduced in 2017 became law as part of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, § 1228 to prohibit the Department of Defense from "knowingly providing weapons or any other form of support to Al Qaeda" or other terrorist groups or any individual or group affiliated with any such organization.

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 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, whom Tulsi Gabbard supported, was reinstated after being placed on paid leave for reporting issues with Hawaii's COVID-19 contact tracing program.

June 20, 2024: Receives Champion's Award from Second Amendment Institute

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

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, taking the position responsible for leading 18 U.S. intelligence agencies and assuming the role of president's top intelligence adviser, becoming 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, 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.