In Defense of Tulsi Gabbard: Patriot and Proven Leader Under Fire

President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of four-term Democratic Congresswoman and Lt. Col. Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence has sparked a wave of criticism, rooted in repeated accusations, baseless allegations and political hostility.

One of the most horrific accusations against Gabbard is the suggestion that she is a Russian agent. Indeed, Gabbard’s story is not only one of resilience and courage, but of a lifelong commitment to her country.

After enlisting in the US Army National Guard after 9/11, at the age of 22, she was deployed several times to war zones in the Middle East and Africa. She served as a combat medic in Iraq. Gabbard was the first woman to enter a Kuwaiti military facility. She trained members of the male-dominated Kuwaiti Military Police, earned their hard-earned respect and became the first woman to receive an award of appreciation from the Kuwaiti Army.

Gabbard has been a U.S. soldier for 22 years, and continues to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve as a lieutenant colonel and battalion commander.

One particularly hateful line of attack against Gabbard is the smearing of her religion and her association with Chris Butler, a respected teacher of Vaishnava Hinduism and founder of the Identity Science Foundation. By manipulating public perception and fanning the flames of religious intolerance, critics have attempted to weaponize her faith. In fact, Vaishnavism is based on the ancient teachings of the Vedas, which are thousands of years old and predate Christianity.

Such intolerance is not new to American policy. A similar tactic was used against John Kennedy, who was raised in a Catholic family and whom his enemies claimed was an agent of the Pope. Should we keep a list of all our political leaders and their spiritual advisors? What does the phrase “So help me, O God” mean when one takes the oath of office? Can we be more antithetical to the idea of ​​America than to demand a particular social or religious organization for our political leaders?

The focus on the Gabbard doctrine reflects a double standard. Gabbard’s status as the first committed Hindu in Congress makes her a target of bias and misunderstanding. Instead of celebrating her representation of a diverse America, critics chose to denigrate her spiritual beliefs.

During her time in Congress, Gabbard served on the Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Homeland Security committees, gaining critical insights into national security and intelligence operations. Her work on these committees corresponds directly with the responsibilities of the Director of National Intelligence. Unlike career bureaucrats, Gabbard offers the unique perspective of a veteran who has seen the human cost of flawed intelligence and endless wars.

Her critics have called her “unqualified,” conveniently ignoring her military experience and legislative record. Establishment opposition is not surprising, given Gabbard’s outspoken criticism of the military-industrial complex — a position that challenges entrenched interests in Washington. Having witnessed firsthand the tragedies of armed conflict, she has consistently called for an end to “forever wars,” focusing on diplomacy and the needs of the American people.

The baseless accusations against Gabbard are rooted in fear. Her appointment to Trump’s cabinet signals a shift away from the status quo – a challenge to the influence of the military-industrial complex and the deep state. Her opponents realize that Gabbard represents a different kind of leadership, one that prioritizes the American people over endless conflict. And they are afraid.

In fact, Gabbard’s willingness to challenge powerful interests is precisely what makes her a strong candidate for the role. As she faces Senate confirmation, it is important that she be evaluated based on her qualifications, experience, and vision. The Senate must move beyond baseless partisan attacks to focus on the facts.

Gabbard’s life has been marked by service, whether on the battlefield, in Congress or as an advocate for veterans and marginalized communities. She embodies the qualities of a true leader: strength, independence, and commitment to justice. At a time when the United States faces complex threats at home and abroad, her perspective is not only valuable, but necessary.

Nominating Gabbard is a bold choice, but it is far from the reckless gamble that his critics claim. It represents an opportunity to bring new, principled leadership to the intelligence community — leadership that prioritizes the American people over political expediency. Let us judge her by her actions, not by the streaks of those who fear change.

Rishi Kumar is a Silicon Valley technology executive and author of Winning the AI ​​Arms Race. He was previously a Saratoga City Council member, a congressional candidate, and a member of the Executive Board of the California Democratic Party.