25,000 Secret Files Allegedly Expose Tulsi Gabbard’s Guru Connections

A recent investigative report has brought renewed scrutiny to former US intelligence official Tulsi Gabbard’s long-standing association with her childhood spiritual leader, following the emergence of more than 25,000 pages of documents allegedly detailing internal communications and guidance linked to her early political career. The material, reviewed as part of an investigation published by The Washington Post, reportedly spans multiple years and includes memos dated between 2011 and 2017.

According to the report, the documents are connected to Chris Butler, the founder of the Science of Identity Foundation (SIF), a spiritual organisation in which Gabbard was raised and which she has previously described as central to her upbringing. Butler’s group follows teachings associated with the Hare Krishna tradition, though former members have at times described it in more critical terms, including allegations of cult-like structure and strict internal control. The organisation has denied these characterisations.

The investigation suggests that the memos may have contained strategic political advice directed at Gabbard during her tenure in the US Congress. These allegedly included recommendations on legislative priorities, policy positions, and messaging strategies for public appearances. Some documents reportedly discuss foreign policy proposals, including a suggestion that Gabbard advocate for restructuring Iraq into multiple regions, as well as guidance on how to respond to emerging issues related to the Islamic State (ISIS).

In one cited example, a 2014 memo allegedly encouraged her to introduce legislation targeting countries whose citizens had joined ISIS, followed by a prompt public statement. The report claims that she issued a statement and later introduced related legislation within a short timeframe, though it does not independently verify causation between the memo and her actions.

The documents also reportedly include communications prepared for media appearances, including talking points for a televised CNN interview. One memo is said to have advised framing her exclusion from a Democratic presidential debate in a specific rhetorical style, language that closely resembled remarks she later delivered on air, according to the investigation.

Another set of materials allegedly references internal discussions about whether Gabbard should publicly acknowledge her association with Butler. According to excerpts cited in the report, advisers within the group expressed concern that greater public disclosure could draw scrutiny toward Butler and the organisation itself. Gabbard has previously denied that Butler served as her political mentor when questioned publicly about their relationship in 2019.

The report also references digital communications allegedly tied to a network using email domains associated with Butler’s circle, as well as claims by former participants that online activity included coordinated political messaging efforts. These assertions form part of broader allegations raised by former members, though they remain contested by the organisation. Neither Gabbard nor representatives cited in the report have provided detailed responses to the newly surfaced document claims as of publication.

The Science of Identity Foundation has previously rejected allegations of political manipulation or undue influence, maintaining that its activities are spiritual in nature. The emergence of the documents has reignited debate over the intersection of personal belief systems and political decision-making, particularly in cases where early mentorship and organisational affiliations overlap with public office responsibilities. The investigation continues to draw attention in US political and media circles as questions persist regarding the extent of influence, if any, exerted on Gabbard’s early legislative conduct.