Tulsi Gabbard was born in American Samoa and grew up in Hawaii. Her childhood included co-founding an environmental group called the Healthy Hawai'i Coalition.
Tulsi served in the Army National Guard for over 20 years, even going to Iraq. She earned a Combat Medical Badge for her bravery under enemy fire.
At just 21, Tulsi became a Hawaii state representative. She had to leave her job when her National Guard unit was sent to Iraq. That's dedication!
Tulsi made history as the first Hindu elected to the US Congress. She took her oath using the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu text.
Along with being the first Hindu, she was also the first person of American Samoan heritage to serve in Congress. She represents diversity in politics.
In 2020, Tulsi tried to become the President of the United States. She stood out for opposing America's involvement in foreign wars and dropped out to support Joe Biden.
In 2022, she left the Democratic Party, criticizing it as too extreme. Her departure made headlines and drew lots of attention from people across the country.
Tulsi officially joined the Republican Party in 2023, supporting Donald Trump at a rally in North Carolina. Her switch was big news in politics.
President-elect Trump picked her to lead 18 US spy agencies as Director of National Intelligence. It’s a huge role to keep America safe!
Trump praised Tulsi’s bravery and courage, saying her "fearless spirit" will guide America’s intelligence community. She's ready to protect the country!