 |
|
Tulsi Gabbard, a figure of significant controversy in American politics, has garnered attention for her diverse background, her political evolution, and her alleged ties to Russia. Born in American Samoa and raised in Hawaii and the Philippines, Gabbard's early life was marked by a multicultural upbringing. Her mother, Carol Porter Gabbard, embraced Hinduism, which influenced the family's religious beliefs and led to the Hindu names given to her children, including Tulsi. Gabbard's adherence to Hinduism, coupled with her prominent political career, often led to mistaken assumptions about her Indian ancestry, which she clarified in 2012, stating she had no Indian lineage.
Gabbard's political trajectory began as a Democrat, where she served four terms in the US Congress. However, her political views gradually shifted, leading her to exit the Democratic Party in 2022, citing what she described as the party's control by an 'elitist cabal of warmongers driven by cowardly wokeness.' This shift was further underscored by her endorsement of Donald Trump in the months preceding the election, aligning herself with a Republican administration while advocating for an anti-war stance. This move fueled accusations of political opportunism and further alienated her from the Democratic Party.
One of the most significant controversies surrounding Gabbard stemmed from accusations leveled by Hillary Clinton in 2019, during Gabbard's run for the Democratic presidential nomination. Clinton alleged that Gabbard was being groomed as a potential third-party candidate by Russia, hinting at Russian interference in the election. Gabbard vehemently denied these claims, accusing Clinton of attempting to damage her reputation and accusing the former Secretary of State of being the true embodiment of the Democratic Party's corruption and warmongering tendencies. This public feud further escalated tensions and solidified Gabbard's image as a controversial figure in American politics.
Gabbard's later appointment as the director of National Intelligence under the Trump administration, further amplified these controversies. Her past criticisms of US foreign policy and her alleged ties to Russia raised concerns among some, particularly given her sensitive position overseeing intelligence agencies. This appointment, coupled with Gabbard's departure from the Democratic Party and her endorsement of Trump, cemented her role as a polarizing figure, raising significant questions about her motivations, allegiances, and the potential impact of her political decisions on American foreign policy.
Source: Tulsi Gabbard Nationality: When Tulsi Gabbard clarified her nationality: 'I am not of Indian origin'