A Washington Post report alleges Tulsi Gabbard took advice and orders from a guru of a cult-like religious group during her political career [1].
The allegations suggest that a former public official's political messaging and strategic decisions were shaped by an external religious leader rather than independent judgment. This raises questions about the influence of non-governmental actors on U.S. legislative processes.
According to the report, which was published June 23, 2024 [1], the guru's group provided Gabbard with specific talking points and strategic guidance. This influence allegedly occurred while she served as a U.S. Representative in Washington, D.C., and continued beyond her tenure in office [1], [2].
The reporting indicates that the religious group's leader played a role in shaping the political views and public communication of the 2020 Democratic presidential candidate [1], [2]. The dossier notes that the influence extended into the strategic guidance used to frame her political messaging [1].
While some sources identify her as a former U.S. Representative, other summaries refer to her as a former DNI [1], [2]. The core of the report focuses on the nature of her relationship with the guru and the extent to which that relationship dictated her professional conduct in the U.S. government [1].
Gabbard has long been known for her spiritual journey and eclectic beliefs, but the Washington Post report specifies that this was more than a personal faith. It describes a system where talking points were fed to her by the group's leadership to be used in her political capacity [1], [2].
“The guru's group provided Gabbard with talking points and strategic guidance.”
This report highlights the intersection of private spiritual affiliations and public governance. If a legislator's public positions are dictated by a religious leader, it creates a potential conflict regarding transparency and the source of policy influence in the U.S. government.
