A recent investigation by The Washington Post explored how Tulsi Gabbard’s political messaging might have been influenced by Chris Butler, leader of the Science of Identity Foundation (SIF), during her time in Congress. The report reveals internal documents provided by Rebecca Saltzburg, a former SIF member, indicating that Butler may have shaped Gabbard’s decisions from 2011 to 2017.
These documents, according to Saltzburg, suggested policies and talking points for Gabbard. Instances where she echoed the SIF memos’ talking points occurred between 2014 and 2016. The timeframe of the documents indicates they can’t confirm if Butler’s guidance continued past 2017.
Gabbard’s chief of staff issued a statement to The Washington Post, refuting these claims as false attacks rooted in anti-Hindu sentiment. The statement described them as part of a failed extortion attempt by a former volunteer.
The Post included comments from an individual representing SIF, dismissing the allegations as anti-Hindu bigotry, suggesting that having a spiritual teacher as a Hindu public figure is unfairly portrayed as sinister control.
Chris Butler’s Background
Chris Butler, who founded SIF, started teaching Krishnaism and meditation after leaving the University of Hawaii in the late 1960s. He established his organization in 1977 and named it Science of Identity.
His followers practice meditation, chanting, and adhere to strict lifestyle rules, with many based in Hawaii, Australia, and Southeast Asia. Butler remains a secretive figure, rarely appearing in public.
Relationship with Tulsi Gabbard
Tulsi Gabbard’s ties to Butler date back to her childhood. Her parents held senior roles within SIF and she grew up in environments controlled by Butler’s followers. Butler influenced Gabbard’s religious practices, describing her Hinduism as ‘transcendental.’ In a 2015 speech, Gabbard called Butler her ‘beloved grandfather’ and ‘spiritual master.’
Gabbard’s Political Career
Gabbard began her political career early, elected to Hawaii’s House of Representatives at 21. Later, she served as a Democrat in Congress, becoming the first Hindu member of the House. Although she pursued the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020, she ultimately supported Joe Biden.
Gabbard gained attention for criticizing her party and campaigned for high-profile Republicans, became a Fox News contributor, and started a podcast. She endorsed Donald Trump in 2024, leading to her appointment as his director of national intelligence.
Contents of the Documents
The documents shared by Saltzburg contain over 25,000 pages, primarily memos attached to emails. Butler’s name doesn’t appear directly in these emails, which were sent to a group closely associated with Butler and Gabbard, including her parents and Saltzburg. According to Saltzburg, recipients understood Butler was behind them.
One memo in 2014 pushed Gabbard to propose legislation against countries harboring ISIS fighters, urging her leadership on the matter. Gabbard spoke on the issue the next day and introduced the legislation a week later.
Former Member Testimony
Robin Marshall, a former SIF member, stated Gabbard was ‘groomed for a political position’ due to Butler’s political ambitions. She highlighted Butler’s desire for influence and his unusual support for a woman’s political advancement within the organization.
Marshall, who joined SIF at 19, noted the group’s welcoming nature initially but experienced a different reality upon moving to Hawaii. She never met Butler and was grateful for it, citing instances of his alleged abusiveness.
This article incorporates information from The Associated Press.