Tulsi Gabbard is an American politician, military officer, and media personality known for her diverse career and unique political trajectory. Born on April 12, 1981, in Leloaloa, American Samoa, she has served in various capacities, including as a U.S. Representative from Hawaii and as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. In November 2024, President Donald Trump nominated her for the position of Director of National Intelligence.
Early Life and Education
Tulsi Gabbard was born on April 12, 1981, in Leloaloa, American Samoa. She is one of five children of Mike Gabbard and Carol Porter. Her father, Mike, is a prominent political figure and former Hawaii State Senator, while her mother, Carol, is an educator and advocate for environmental and social causes. Tulsi’s family moved to Hawaii when she was two years old, and she grew up in a multicultural and multireligious environment.
Raised as a practicing Hindu, Tulsi embraced her faith deeply, which influenced her values and worldview. She attended Leeward Community College during her high school years and later pursued a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Hawaii Pacific University, graduating in 2009. Her education laid the foundation for her future political and military careers, instilling in her a strong sense of discipline and service.
Political Career
Tulsi Gabbard is known for her balanced and disciplined lifestyle. She practices meditation regularly, reflecting her deep connection to her Hindu faith. Tulsi is an avid surfer and martial artist, which contributes to her active and healthy lifestyle.
In her personal life, Tulsi has been married twice. Her first marriage, to Eduardo Tamayo, ended in divorce in 2006 due to the strains of her military deployments. In 2015, she married Abraham Williams, a cinematographer and freelance editor. The couple shares a strong bond and often collaborates on creative projects. Despite her busy career, Tulsi values her personal time and prioritizes family and spirituality.
Family
Tulsi Gabbard comes from a close-knit and supportive family. Her father, Mike Gabbard, is a politician who has played a significant role in shaping her values and career. Her mother, Carol Porter, has been a consistent source of inspiration through her activism and environmental advocacy. Tulsi is the fourth of five siblings, and her family’s diverse cultural and religious background has significantly influenced her open-minded and inclusive approach to life and politics.
Her family has been deeply involved in her campaigns and public life, often appearing at her events and rallies. Tulsi has frequently mentioned how her upbringing in a loving and supportive environment has shaped her resilience and commitment to serving others.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tulsi Gabbard |
| Date of Birth | April 12, 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Leloaloa, American Samoa |
| Parents | Mike Gabbard (father), Carol Porter (mother) |
| Education | Leeward Community College; B.S. in Business Administration, Hawaii Pacific University |
| Military Service | Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army Reserve; served in Iraq; awarded Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Medical Badge |
| Political Party | Republican (2024–present); formerly Democratic (2002–2022), Independent (2022–2024) |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at over $1.2 million as of 2025 |
Political Career
Hawaii House of Representatives (2002–2004)
At the age of 21, Gabbard was elected to the Hawaii House of Representatives, becoming the youngest woman ever elected to the state legislature. During her tenure, she focused on issues such as environmental protection and veterans’ affairs.
Honolulu City Council (2011–2012)
After her initial legislative term, Gabbard served on the Honolulu City Council, where she worked on initiatives related to infrastructure development and public safety.
U.S. House of Representatives (2013–2021)
Gabbard represented Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. She gained national attention for her independent stance on various issues, including foreign policy and civil liberties. Notably, she was one of the first female combat veterans elected to Congress.
2020 Presidential Campaign
In 2020, Gabbard sought the Democratic nomination for President. Her campaign emphasized non-interventionist foreign policy and criminal justice reform. Although she did not secure the nomination, she continued to be a prominent voice in national politics.
Departure from the Democratic Party and Subsequent Activities
In 2022, Gabbard announced her departure from the Democratic Party, citing ideological differences. She became an independent and later joined the Republican Party in 2024. During this period, she also worked as a media commentator and authored a book titled “For Love of Country: Leave the Democrat Party Behind.”
Nomination for Director of National Intelligence (2024)
In November 2024, President Donald Trump nominated Gabbard to serve as the Director of National Intelligence, citing her military experience and unique perspective on national security. The nomination has been met with both support and criticism, with some questioning her qualifications and past foreign policy positions.
Social Media Accounts Table
| Platform | Username | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| @TulsiGabbard | https://twitter.com/TulsiGabbard | |
| Tulsi Gabbard | https://www.facebook.com/TulsiGabbard | |
| @tulsigabbard | https://www.instagram.com/tulsigabbard | |
| YouTube | Tulsi Gabbard | https://www.youtube.com/c/TulsiGabbard |
Latest News
As of January 2025, Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination for Director of National Intelligence is a significant topic in political circles. Vice President JD Vance has expressed strong support for her appointment, stating that she is the ideal candidate to restore trust in the intelligence services. The Senate Intelligence Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on her nomination on January 30.
Height and Physical Appearance
Tulsi Gabbard stands at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall. She is known for her athletic build, which she maintains through regular physical activity, including surfing and practicing martial arts. Her distinctive features include dark brown hair and brown eyes.
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Tulsi Gabbard’s net worth is estimated to be over $1.2 million. Her income sources have included earnings from her book “For Love of Country: Leave the Democrat Party Behind,” her role as a Fox News contributor, speaking engagements, and investments in.
FAQs
1. What is Tulsi Gabbard best known for?
Tulsi Gabbard is best known for being a U.S. Representative from Hawaii (2013–2021), her military service as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, and her 2020 presidential campaign. She is also recognized for her non-interventionist foreign policy views and for being one of the first female combat veterans elected to Congress.
2. What is Tulsi Gabbard’s military background?
Tulsi Gabbard has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard since 2003. She completed two tours of duty in the Middle East, including a deployment to Iraq. Over her military career, she has earned several honors, such as the Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Medical Badge, and currently holds the rank of lieutenant colonel.
3. Why did Tulsi Gabbard leave the Democratic Party?
Tulsi Gabbard left the Democratic Party in 2022, citing concerns about the party’s direction and ideological differences. She expressed dissatisfaction with what she perceived as increasing partisanship and divisive politics within the party. She subsequently became an independent and later joined the Republican Party in 2024.
4. What is Tulsi Gabbard’s religious faith?
Tulsi Gabbard is a practicing Hindu, which is a central part of her identity and values. She has often spoken about how her faith influences her approach to public service and her commitment to compassion and non-violence.
5. What are Tulsi Gabbard’s current activities?
As of 2025, Tulsi Gabbard has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the Director of National Intelligence. Additionally, she remains active as a public speaker, author, and advocate for national security, veterans’ issues, and unity in politics. She has also authored books and appeared as a media commentator in recent years.
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