Who is Tulsi Gabbard, First Hindu to Lead US Intelligence

Tulsi Gabbard has made history as the first Hindu to lead the US intelligence community after being confirmed as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). She now oversees 18 intelligence agencies, coordinating national security efforts. A former Democratic Congresswoman, Iraq War veteran, and 2020 presidential candidate, Gabbard has had a controversial political career, marked by her independent stance, ties with India, and critiques of US foreign policy.

Key Highlights of Her Appointment

• Sworn in as the US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) after a narrow 52-48 Senate vote.
• Appointed by President Donald Trump, fulfilling his promise after winning the 2024 US presidential election.
• First Hindu to head US Intelligence and the second woman in history to be a Senate-confirmed DNI.
• Met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after taking office, reinforcing India-US ties.

Watch: Daily Current Affairs

Background and Political Journey

• Born in American Samoa, raised in Hawaii and the Philippines.
• Mother converted to Hinduism, leading to all her siblings having Hindu names.
• Served in the US National Guard, with three deployments to war zones.
• Four-term Congresswoman (2013-2021) from Hawaii.
• Ran for President in 2020 as a Democrat but later left the party in 2022, calling it “elitist.”

Significance of Her Appointment

• Leads 18 US intelligence agencies, coordinating operations and national security strategies.
• First Hindu in US Congress, took her oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita.
• Strong advocate for India-US relations, openly supports PM Modi and Hindu Americans.
• Known for criticizing US foreign interventions, including opposing US support for Ukraine and defending Bashar al-Assad in Syria.

Controversies and Criticism

• Pro-Russia and Pro-Assad Allegations: Criticized for her 2017 visit to Syria, where she met Bashar al-Assad.
• Ukraine War Stance: Accused of echoing Russian propaganda on the Ukraine war.
• NSA Whistleblower Edward Snowden: Previously praised Snowden, raising concerns about her approach to national security.
• Opposed US Surveillance Program (Section 702), which monitors terrorist communications overseas.
• Lack of Intelligence Experience: Critics argue that she has no direct background in intelligence operations.

Special Bond with India and PM Modi

• Supports India’s stance against terrorism, particularly post-Pulwama attack in 2019.
• Criticized the US for banning Modi’s visa (2005) due to Gujarat riots, calling it a “great blunder.”
• Backed Modi’s call for International Yoga Day in 2014.
• Married in a Hindu wedding in Hawaii, attended by BJP leader Ram Madhav, with a special message from Modi.