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 rehashed accusations, unsubstantiated claims and political enmity.
One of the most vile accusations leveled 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.
Having enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard after 9/11, at the tender age of 22, she was deployed multiple 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 Kuwait’s male-dominated military police, earning their hard-won respect and becoming the first female to receive an award of appreciation from the Kuwaiti military.
Gabbard has been an American soldier for 22 years, and she continues to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve as a lieutenant colonel and battalion commander.
A particularly abhorrent 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 Science of Identity Foundation. By manipulating public perception and fanning the flames of religious bigotry, critics have attempted to weaponize her faith. In fact, Vaishnavism is based upon the ancient teaching of the Vedas, which are thousands of years old and predate Christianity.
Such bigotry is not new to American politics. A similar tactic was used against John F. Kennedy, who was raised in a Catholic family, and whose enemies claimed he was an agent of the Pope. Shall we maintain a list of all our political leaders and their spiritual advisers? What do the words “So help me God” mean when one takes the oath of office? Can we be any more antithetical to the idea of America than to demand a certain social or religious orchestration of our political leaders?
The focus on Gabbard’s faith reflects a double standard. Gabbard’s status as the first practicing Hindu in Congress makes her a target for bias and misunderstanding. Rather than celebrating her representation of a diverse America, critics choose to malign 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 aligns directly with the responsibilities of the director of national intelligence. Unlike career bureaucrats, Gabbard brings the unique perspective of a combat veteran who has seen the human cost of flawed intelligence and endless wars.
Her critics have dismissed her as “unqualified,” conveniently ignoring her military experience and legislative record. The establishment opposition is unsurprising, given Gabbard’s vocal criticism of the military-industrial complex — a stance that challenges the entrenched interests in Washington. Having witnessed firsthand the tragedies of armed conflict, she has consistently advocated for ending “forever wars,” focusing on diplomacy and the needs of the American people.
The baseless allegations 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 understand that Gabbard represents a different kind of leadership, one that prioritizes the American people over endless conflict. And they are afraid.
In reality, Gabbard’s willingness to challenge powerful interests is precisely what makes her a strong candidate for this role. As she faces Senate confirmation, it is vital that she is evaluated based on her qualifications, experience and vision. The Senate must rise above partisan and unfounded attacks to focus on the facts.
Gabbard’s life has been defined 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 a commitment to justice. In a time when the U.S. faces complex threats at home and abroad, her perspective is not only valuable but necessary.
Gabbard’s nomination is a bold choice, but it is far from the reckless gamble her critics claim. It represents an opportunity to bring fresh, principled leadership to the intelligence community — leadership that prioritizes the American people over political expedience. Let us judge her by her deeds, not by the smears of those who fear change.
Rishi Kumar is a Silicon Valley tech executive and author of “Winning the AI Arms Race.” He was previously a Saratoga City council member, congressional candidate and executive board member of the California Democratic Party.
