Tulsi Gabbard–Trump’s pick for national intelligence chief raises concerns over ties to Hindu nationalism
Washington: President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Tulsi Gabbard as Chief of National Intelligence has ignited controversy due to her connections to Hindu nationalism and her repeated expressions of admiration for India’s Hindu-nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Gabbard, who has no Indian heritage, has met with Modi several times and defended the Hindutva ideology, which emphasizes prioritizing Hindu religion and culture in India. Critics have highlighted her opposition to a U.S. congressional resolution condemning religious violence against Muslims and Christians in India as evidence of her alignment with these views.
Her description of Hindutva as merely “expressing pride in one’s religion” has drawn sharp criticism. Many argue this minimizes the ideology’s role in promoting sectarianism and enabling violence against minority groups in India.
Critics also point out a conflict of interest in her appointment. As a U.S. lawmaker, Gabbard took an oath to uphold the Constitution and protect the rights of all Americans, regardless of religion or ethnicity. Her perceived alignment with Hindu nationalist ideologies raises questions about her ability to provide unbiased intelligence assessments.
Gabbard’s links to Hindu nationalist groups have been a recurring topic of scrutiny. Her campaign has received donations from prominent figures within the Hindu American community, including supporters of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad America (VHPA), an organization linked to the RSS, a controversial Hindu nationalist group in India. She has also spoken at events hosted by such groups, further cementing concerns about her affiliations.
As she prepares to take on her role as Chief of National Intelligence, Gabbard’s past actions and associations are expected to face intense scrutiny, particularly regarding her ability to navigate global security issues impartially. Observers worry that her ideological leanings could influence intelligence guidance, especially on matters involving India and South Asia.
The debate over her appointment reflects broader concerns about the intersection of personal ideologies and public service in shaping U.S. foreign policy and intelligence operations.
