Critics have raised concerns about the extent of Butler’s influence on Gabbard’s political career. Some former SIF members allege that Butler actively shaped her rise in politics to expand his reach. Her 2020 presidential campaign also drew scrutiny, with some seeing it as a vehicle for the group to gain political prominence.

Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as Director of National Intelligence has been confirmed, despite ongoing scrutiny of her ties to the Science of Identity Foundation (SIF), a religious group often described as an offshoot of the Hare Krishna movement. The organization, founded by Chris Butler, has long been the subject of controversy due to its strict hierarchy, cult-like devotion to Butler, and alleged intolerance toward LGBTQ individuals, women, and Muslims.
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Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, has long faced questions about her connection to SIF. She was raised in the group, and her father, Hawaii State Senator Mike Gabbard, has also been linked to it. During her youth, she reportedly regarded Butler as a spiritual mentor, though she later distanced herself from the organization, emphasizing her broader Hindu faith.

Critics have raised concerns about the extent of Butler’s influence on Gabbard’s political career. Some former SIF members allege that Butler actively shaped her rise in politics to expand his reach. Her 2020 presidential campaign also drew scrutiny, with some seeing it as a vehicle for the group to gain political prominence.

The Science of Identity Foundation (SIF) gained renewed media attention around 2020 when some commentators highlighted Tulsi Gabbard’s childhood association with the group. Gabbard, a candidate for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 United States presidential election, reportedly referred to Chris Butler, the leader of SIF, as her spiritual guide during her school years. Her father, Mike Gabbard, a Hawaii State Senator, has also been linked to SIF and is known for his opposition to same-sex marriage, framing spirituality as a tool against sexual practices SIF considers “deviant.” Gabbard’s mother, Carol Gabbard, served as the organisation’s treasurer.
Gabbard has openly referred to Butler as her spiritual guide or “guru.” Her ties to the organisation reportedly date back to her upbringing, with her family deeply embedded in its structure. Gabbard’s aunt, Dr Caroline Sinavaiana Gabbard, has been outspoken about the group’s influence on her niece, calling her involvement with Butler troubling and accusing him of orchestrating her political ascent to increase his own influence.

Critics allege that Butler played a significant role in Gabbard’s 2020 presidential campaign, which some saw as an effort to gain a foothold in national politics. Gabbard’s critics have raised concerns about how her affiliation with a fringe religious group might influence her decision-making in a high-level intelligence position.

Tulsi Gabbard has since clarified that during her school years, she regarded Butler as “essentially like a Vaishnava Hindu pastor.” As a teenager, she distanced herself from SIF, fully embracing Hinduism and aligning herself with the Vaishnava tradition, which centres on devotion to the Supreme Lord. Gabbard identifies as a Vaishnava Hindu and frequently participates in Hindu festivals, such as Diwali, alongside Hindu-American communities.