Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard Religion, Instagram, Indian, Net Worth, Biography
Quick Facts
Watch Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard Biography
Date of Birth and Physical Stats
Tulsi Gabbard was born on April 12, 1981, in Leloaloa, American Samoa. She later moved to Hawaii with her family at the age of two. As of 2024, she is 42 years old.
Regarding her physical attributes, Tulsi Gabbard stands at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall and maintains a fit physique, which can be attributed to her active lifestyle, military background, and regular fitness routines. She is estimated to weigh around 130–140 lbs (59–63 kg). Gabbard has dark brown hair and brown eyes, complementing her Polynesian and Caucasian heritage.
Early Life and Family Background
Tulsi Gabbard was born into a diverse and politically active family. Her father, Mike Gabbard, is of Samoan and European descent and has served as a Hawaii state senator. Her mother, Carol Porter Gabbard, is of European descent and worked as a teacher and educational advocate. Raised in a multicultural household, Tulsi grew up with strong spiritual and ethical values, largely influenced by Hinduism. She has been a practicing Hindu throughout her life, which has played a significant role in her personal and political identity.
Growing up in Hawaii, Gabbard was surrounded by nature and an active lifestyle. She enjoyed surfing, hiking, and outdoor activities, which contributed to her passion for fitness and well-being. Her early exposure to politics, environmental advocacy, and community service shaped her future aspirations.
Education and Early Career
Tulsi Gabbard was homeschooled for most of her childhood, allowing her to focus on individualized learning. This non-traditional educational path helped her develop discipline and self-motivation. She later attended Hawaii Pacific University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 2009.
Gabbard’s early years were marked by a commitment to service. At the age of 21, she was elected to the Hawaii House of Representatives in 2002, becoming one of the youngest women ever elected to a U.S. state legislature. However, she put her political career on hold to serve in the military.
In 2003, she enlisted in the Hawaii Army National Guard, which led to two deployments to the Middle East. During her service, she trained as a military police officer and later served as a Medical Operations Specialist. Her experiences in Iraq and Kuwait gave her firsthand insight into the realities of war, shaping her anti-interventionist foreign policy views.
Age and Birthplace
Tulsi Gabbard was born on April 12, 1981, in Leloaloa, American Samoa. As of 2024, she is 42 years old. While she was born in American Samoa, her family moved to Hawaii when she was just two years old, and she grew up there.
Caste and Religion
Tulsi Gabbard is a practicing Hindu, making her one of the few Hindu politicians to have served in the U.S. Congress. Her religious beliefs have played a significant role in her personal and political identity. Gabbard follows the Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism, which focuses on the worship of Lord Vishnu and his incarnations, such as Krishna. She has frequently spoken about her faith, drawing inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture.
Regarding caste, since she is of mixed ancestry (Samoan, European, and Indian heritage), caste does not traditionally apply to her in the same way it does in India. However, her Hindu faith has made her widely recognized among Indian-American communities, particularly those who follow Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism).
Sun Sign (Zodiac Sign)
Born on April 12, Tulsi Gabbard’s zodiac sign is Aries. Aries individuals are often characterized by their strong leadership qualities, determination, and courage—traits that align well with Gabbard’s military service and political career. Aries people are also known for their passion, independence, and resilience, all of which can be seen in her advocacy for non-interventionist foreign policies and her willingness to challenge mainstream political narratives.
Hometown
Tulsi Gabbard considers Honolulu, Hawaii, her hometown. Though she was born in American Samoa, Hawaii is where she spent most of her childhood and early adult life. Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty have influenced her deeply, and she has often expressed her love for nature, environmental conservation, and outdoor activities.
Hobbies and Interests
Tulsi Gabbard leads an active lifestyle and has several hobbies that reflect her personality and interests:
- Surfing: Growing up in Hawaii, Gabbard developed a passion for surfing. She often shares her love for the ocean and has been seen catching waves in her free time.
- Martial Arts & Fitness: As a military veteran, Gabbard emphasizes physical fitness. She has trained in martial arts and maintains a disciplined workout routine to stay fit.
- Hiking & Outdoor Activities: She enjoys hiking, especially in Hawaii’s scenic landscapes, and promotes an active and healthy lifestyle.
- Music & Ukulele Playing: She has been seen playing the ukulele, a traditional Hawaiian instrument, reflecting her connection to Hawaiian culture.
- Spiritual Practices & Meditation: As a devout Hindu, Gabbard practices meditation and spiritual chanting, drawing inspiration from the Bhagavad Gita.
Parents: Mother and Father
Tulsi Gabbard was born into a diverse and politically active family. Her parents, Mike Gabbard and Carol Porter Gabbard, have played a significant role in shaping her beliefs, values, and career.
- Father: Mike Gabbard
Tulsi’s father, Gerald Michael “Mike” Gabbard, is a politician and educator of Samoan and European descent. Born in American Samoa in 1948, he later moved to Hawaii, where he became involved in politics and education. Mike Gabbard has served as a Hawaii State Senator since 2006 and has been involved in various social and political issues, including education reform and environmental conservation. A deeply religious man, Mike was raised in a Catholic household but later converted to Hinduism. His religious and moral beliefs have influenced Tulsi’s strong stance on ethics and faith in public service. - Mother: Carol Porter Gabbard
Tulsi’s mother, Carol Porter Gabbard, is of European-American descent and has worked as an educator and businesswoman. She served on the Hawaii State Board of Education from 2000 to 2004. Like her husband, Carol has been deeply involved in educational advocacy and community service. She also converted to Hinduism, which influenced Tulsi’s early spiritual upbringing. Carol’s dedication to education and public service significantly shaped Tulsi’s career choices, encouraging her to be involved in leadership roles from a young age.
Siblings
Tulsi Gabbard comes from a large family and has four siblings. She is one of five children, and her upbringing was deeply rooted in family values, discipline, and community service. While not all of her siblings are in the public eye, they have supported her throughout her political and military career.
Her family’s multicultural background and strong religious beliefs have played a key role in her worldview and her approach to politics, particularly her emphasis on service, leadership, and spiritual discipline.
Marriage and Relationships
Tulsi Gabbard has been married twice.
- First Marriage: Eduardo Tamayo (2002–2006)
Tulsi Gabbard’s first marriage was to Eduardo Tamayo, a childhood friend of Filipino descent. They got married in 2002, but due to the pressures of her military service, particularly her deployment to Iraq, their marriage faced significant challenges. They divorced amicably in 2006, and Tulsi has since mentioned that the strains of war played a significant role in the end of their relationship. - Second Marriage: Abraham Williams (2015–Present)
In 2015, Tulsi married Abraham Williams, a cinematographer and photographer. Abraham is a Hindu of Indian descent and shares Tulsi’s love for spirituality, yoga, and meditation. Their wedding was a traditional Vedic Hindu ceremony, reflecting their shared faith and cultural connection. The couple has kept their personal life relatively private, but they often share their adventures, traveling, and spiritual practices together.
Children (Kids)
As of 2024, Tulsi Gabbard does not have any children. While she has not publicly discussed plans for children, she remains focused on her political career, military service, and advocacy work.
Early Career and Entry into Politics
Tulsi Gabbard was born on April 12, 1981, in Leloaloa, American Samoa, and later moved to Hawaii with her family. Her early career was marked by activism and public service. At the age of 21, she was elected to the Hawaii House of Representatives in 2002, making her one of the youngest legislators in U.S. history at that time.
Her time in the Hawaii House of Representatives was short-lived as she volunteered to serve in the military. She joined the Hawaii Army National Guard in 2003 and later served in Iraq as part of a field medical unit. Her military service shaped her views on foreign policy and national security.
Military Service and National Guard Commitment
Gabbard served two tours of duty in the Middle East. Her first deployment was in Iraq from 2004 to 2005, where she was part of a field medical unit. Her second deployment was in Kuwait from 2008 to 2009 as a Military Police officer.
She continued her service in the Hawaii Army National Guard and rose to the rank of major. Gabbard has often highlighted her military experience in her political career, emphasizing a non-interventionist foreign policy stance influenced by her firsthand exposure to war.
Congressional Career (2013-2021)
In 2012, Gabbard won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives from Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district. During her tenure in Congress, she was a member of the Democratic Party but often took positions that set her apart from the party’s mainstream.
Key Legislative Actions and Stances
- Foreign Policy: She strongly opposed U.S. involvement in regime-change wars and interventions in countries like Syria and Libya. Her 2017 visit to Syria, including a controversial meeting with President Bashar al-Assad, drew criticism and media attention.
- Veterans’ Affairs: As a veteran, she prioritized issues affecting military personnel and advocated for better healthcare and benefits for service members.
- Civil Liberties: Gabbard was vocal about concerns regarding government surveillance and privacy rights.
- Domestic Issues: She supported Medicare for All but later shifted her position, advocating for a more incremental approach to healthcare reform. She also backed criminal justice reform, environmental protection, and policies to combat climate change.
2020 Presidential Campaign
In 2019, Gabbard announced her candidacy for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Her campaign focused on anti-interventionist foreign policy, civil liberties, and government accountability. She gained national recognition for her performance in Democratic primary debates, particularly for her criticism of Kamala Harris’s prosecutorial record.
However, her campaign faced challenges, including limited media coverage and controversy surrounding her foreign policy views. She dropped out of the race in March 2020 and endorsed Joe Biden for president.
Post-Congressional Career and Political Evolution
After leaving Congress in 2021, Gabbard took a more independent political stance, distancing herself from the Democratic Party. In 2022, she officially announced her departure from the party, citing concerns about what she described as extreme partisan politics.
She has since worked as a political commentator, appearing frequently on conservative and independent media outlets. She has also been involved in public speaking and writing on topics related to foreign policy, civil liberties, and national security.
Awards and Recognitions
Tulsi Gabbard has received several awards and honors throughout her career, particularly for her military service and advocacy efforts:
- Meritorious Service Medal: Awarded for her service in the Hawaii Army National Guard.
- Combat Medical Badge: Recognizing her role in providing medical assistance in combat zones.
- John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award (2013): Recognizing young leaders in public service.
- Friend of the National Parks Award: Given for her commitment to environmental conservation.
Her contributions to veteran affairs, civil liberties, and foreign policy debates have also been acknowledged in political and media circles.
Salary and Earnings
As a U.S. Representative, Gabbard earned an annual salary of approximately $174,000. In addition to her congressional salary, she has earned income from book deals, speaking engagements, and media appearances. Since leaving Congress, her earnings have come from political commentary, consulting, and media work.
Net Worth
Estimates of Tulsi Gabbard’s net worth vary, but as of 2024, it is believed to be in the range of $500,000 to $2 million. Her financial standing has been shaped by:
- Her congressional salary.
- Military benefits and pension contributions.
- Earnings from media appearances and consulting roles.
- Potential investments in real estate and personal ventures.
While she has not accumulated wealth comparable to some other politicians, her financial stability allows her to continue engaging in public service and media work.
Conclusion
Tulsi Gabbard’s career has been marked by a unique blend of military service, political independence, and outspoken views on key national and international issues. From her early days as a Hawaii state legislator to her tenure in Congress and her presidential campaign, she has carved a distinct path in American politics. Her shift away from the Democratic Party and embrace of a more independent approach continue to make her a compelling figure in political discourse. As she continues her work as a commentator and public figure, her influence on policy debates remains significant.
Sure! Here’s a list of some of Tulsi Gabbard’s favorite things and people:
Favorite People
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Ron Paul
- Abraham Lincoln
- Martin Luther King Jr.
- Dalai Lama
- Teddy Roosevelt
Favorite Books
- Bhagavad Gita
- 1984 by George Orwell
- The Art of War by Sun Tzu
Favorite Foods
- Indian cuisine (especially vegetarian dishes)
- Hawaiian poke bowls
- Thai curry
Favorite Activities & Hobbies
- Surfing
- Yoga
- Martial arts
- Running
- Playing guitar
Favorite Music & Artists
- Bob Marley
- Jimi Hendrix
- Classic rock
- Hawaiian folk music
Favorite Places
- Hawaii
- India
- Nepal
- Washington, D.C.
- Middle East (due to military service and advocacy)
Follow Tulsi Gabbard on Instagram
Follow Tulsi Gabbard on X
Follow Tulsi Gabbard on Youtube
Follow Tulsi Gabbard on Facebook
FAQs
General Background
- Who is Tulsi Gabbard?
Tulsi Gabbard is an American politician, former U.S. Representative, and military veteran known for her independent political views. - Where was she born?
She was born in Leloaloa, American Samoa, on April 12, 1981. - What is Tulsi Gabbard’s ethnic background?
She is of Samoan and European descent and practices Hinduism. - What religion does she follow?
She is Hindu, making her the first Hindu member of Congress. - Is she married?
Yes, she is married to Abraham Williams, a cinematographer.
Political Career
- What political positions has she held?
She served as the U.S. Representative for Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2021. - Was she always a Democrat?
She was a Democrat for most of her career but left the Democratic Party in 2022, citing issues with its direction. - Did she run for president?
Yes, she ran as a Democratic candidate in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. - Why did she leave the Democratic Party?
She claimed the party had become too extreme and no longer aligned with her values of free speech, civil liberties, and anti-war policies. - What is Tulsi Gabbard’s current political affiliation?
She is currently an independent but aligns with conservative and libertarian viewpoints on some issues.
Military Service
- Did she serve in the military?
Yes, she served in the Hawaii Army National Guard and was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait. - What rank is she in the military?
She holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. - What military awards has Tulsi Gabbard received?
She has received several honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Medical Badge.
Policy Positions
- What is Tulsi Gabbard’s stance on foreign policy?
She is known for her non-interventionist stance and opposition to regime-change wars. - Does she support gun control?
She has had mixed views, supporting some gun regulations while advocating for Second Amendment rights. - What are her views on healthcare?
She has supported Medicare for All but later expressed concerns about government overreach. - What is her stance on free speech?
She is a strong advocate for free speech and has criticized Big Tech censorship. - What are her views on the environment?
She has supported clean energy initiatives and climate action, including the Green New Deal in its early stages. - What is Gabbard’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights?
While she previously held conservative views, she later supported LGBTQ+ rights and same-sex marriage.
Controversies & Criticism
- Why has she been criticized for meeting with Bashar al-Assad?
She faced backlash for meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2017, arguing that diplomacy is necessary to end conflicts. - Has she been accused of being a Russian asset?
Some political figures, including Hillary Clinton, suggested she was being groomed by Russia, but she strongly denied these claims. - What is Tulsi Gabbard’s relationship with Fox News?
Since leaving the Democratic Party, she has frequently appeared on Fox News, discussing her views on government overreach and civil liberties.
Other Topics
- Does she have any books?
Yes, she published a memoir titled “Is Today the Day? Not Another Political Memoir”. - What is she doing now?
She is active as a political commentator, speaker, and military officer while advocating for civil liberties and non-interventionist policies. - Could she run for president again?
It’s possible—she has not ruled out another presidential run in the future.
Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard
keywords
Here are some SEO keywords for Tulsi Gabbard:
- Tulsi Gabbard
- Who is Tulsi Gabbard
- Tulsi Gabbard biography
- Tulsi Gabbard news
- Tulsi Gabbard latest updates
- Tulsi Gabbard politics
- Tulsi Gabbard Republican
- Tulsi Gabbard conservative
- Tulsi Gabbard former Democrat
- Tulsi Gabbard 2024 election
- Tulsi Gabbard foreign policy
- Tulsi Gabbard Ukraine war
- Tulsi Gabbard military experience
- Tulsi Gabbard government corruption
- Tulsi Gabbard free speech
- Tulsi Gabbard military service
- Tulsi Gabbard veteran
- Tulsi Gabbard Hawaii
- Tulsi Gabbard family
- Tulsi Gabbard religion
- Tulsi Gabbard podcast
- Tulsi Gabbard book
- Tulsi Gabbard Fox News
- Tulsi Gabbard Tucker Carlson
- Tulsi Gabbard Trump
