The Hare Krishna offshoot cult that could jeopardize Tulsi Gabbard's nomination as Director of National Intelligence

President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to nominate former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence has reignited controversy surrounding her ties to a controversial religious sect, the Science of Identity Foundation (SIF). These connections, described as problematic and potentially cult-like, are now under intense scrutiny and could jeopardize her Senate confirmation.
Tulsi Gabbard made history in 2013 when she became the first American Samoan and practicing Hindu elected to Congress, representing Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District. Known for her unorthodox political positions, she often defied party norms during her tenure. Gabbard’s political career and personal life, including her marriage to cinematographer Abraham Williams, are reportedly interwoven with the influence of the Science of Identity Foundation—a group led by Chris Butler, who is revered by followers as a near-divine figure.


The Science of Identity Foundation is a religious organization often described as an offshoot of the Hare Krishna movement, with a controversial history. Founded by Chris Butler, also known as Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa, the group has thousands of followers in Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. Butler’s teachings blend traditional Hindu philosophy with a rigid hierarchy of devotion to him as a spiritual leader.
Former members and critics describe the group as cult-like, citing its authoritarian structure and allegations of intolerance toward LGBTQ individuals, women, and Muslims. Members reportedly view Butler as an extension of God, and questioning his authority is seen as a spiritual offense. Critics, including some former followers, accuse the group of fostering a climate of fear and control.
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 (and now Trump's pick to be DNI), 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 organization 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.


The nomination of Gabbard to a critical intelligence role has drawn widespread criticism, with figures from both political parties questioning her qualifications and fitness for the job. Former National Security Advisor John Bolton labeled her the "worst cabinet-level appointment in history," citing both her ties to the SIF and her controversial foreign policy positions, such as her perceived closeness to authoritarian figures like Vladimir Putin.
The resurfacing of her connections to the SIF has compounded these criticisms. Some senators are reportedly uneasy about her ability to serve as Director of National Intelligence without bias or undue influence. A former intelligence official described the nomination as a “left turn and off the bridge,” reflecting the broader skepticism within the intelligence community.
The Senate confirmation process will likely spotlight Gabbard’s ties to the SIF and her broader political allegiances. While her supporters argue that her religious beliefs should not disqualify her from public office, detractors point to the SIF’s controversial history and Butler’s influence as disqualifying factors. Allegations that Butler may have used Gabbard as a political proxy add another layer of concern, raising questions about whether her appointment could compromise U.S. intelligence operations.
The controversy surrounding Gabbard underscores the challenges she faces in navigating the confirmation process. With both bipartisan opposition and public scrutiny mounting, her nomination hangs in the balance, with her ties to the Science of Identity Foundation at the center of the debate.