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. 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.

Sections (5)

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

2005: Receives 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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

February 2016: Congress Passes Talia's Law

In February 2016, Congress passed Talia's Law, which was introduced by Tulsi Gabbard.

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.

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.

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.

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.

November 2020: Jennifer Smith Reinstated

In November 2020, Jennifer Smith, whom Gabbard had supported, was reinstated after being placed on paid leave.

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.

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.