Full Breakdown
Tulsi Gabbard’s Alleged Ties to the Science of Identity Foundation
6/22/2026, 12:29:05 AM
Alleged Coordination Between Gabbard and Butler
A Washington Post investigation released emails, documents and memos linking former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard to Chris Butler, 78, founder of the Science of Identity Foundation (SIF), an alt-right Hindu sect. Butler’s aides transcribed his oral directives and circulated them to a small circle that included Gabbard, her parents and advisers. From 2014 to 2016, Gabbard’s statements and policy memos repeatedly mirrored SIF language.
Background & Key Figures
The Science of Identity Foundation claims a spiritual mission, yet former members call it a cult that worships founder Chris Butler as “God’s voice on Earth.” Butler, who avoids computers, allegedly issues handwritten directives. Tulsi Gabbard, former Hawaii congresswoman and Director of National Intelligence until May 2024, received such guidance. Sunil Khemaney, Butler’s “right-hand man,” says he authored the directives. Former SIF members have condemned the group’s political agenda.
Timeline of Interactions
- 2014: Email to Gabbard reads “Get it started in the morning.”
- 2017: Former member posts Medium article calling Butler “God’s voice on Earth.”
- May 2024: Gabbard resigns; SIF-linked accounts post tributes.
Evidence Summary
The Post identified dozens of instances where Gabbard’s remarks mirrored SIF directives, a 173-page policy compilation with first-person references pointing to Butler, and dozens of coordinated social-media accounts defending Gabbard.
Official Statements & Responses
Gabbard’s representatives declined comment; Butler was unavailable. Khemaney said he authored the directives. The Post’s analysis linked the language to Butler.
Criticism, Opposition & Conflicting Reports
Former SIF members call the group a cult seeking political influence; one told the Post Butler “wanted … to rule the world.” Gabbard’s aunt, Dr. Caroline Sinavaiana Gabbard, said the 2020 presidential bid advanced Butler’s agenda. Critics argue the coordination threatens intelligence officials’ independence. Butler’s allies deny his involvement, attributing directives to Khemaney, while the Post’s forensic review links the language to Butler. No independent verification of the emails or transcripts has been released.
Why It Matters
If a senior intelligence official acted on guidance from a non-governmental religious group, the case raises concerns about foreign-influence safeguards, the integrity of intelligence leadership, and the capacity of ideological networks to shape U.S. policy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “DNI Gabbard is a true patriot and will be missed,” — @ImACruzn, social-media supporter
- “I was raised to believe Chris Butler was God’s voice on Earth, and if you question him or offended him in any way, you were effectively offending God,” — Former SIF member, 2017 Medium post
- “to rule the world.” — Former SIF member, quoted to the Post
- “ph What’s more, Butler has previously condemned the United States’ intelligence and defense agencies as power-hungry institutions run by “madmen”—even as he appears to have long had the ear of the woman who oversaw some of the world’s most powerful intelligence agencies.” — Chris Butler (as reported)
What’s Next
Federal oversight committees have signaled interest in reviewing the findings. Subpoenas for communications between Gabbard’s office and SIF affiliates are anticipated, and further reporting will follow as investigators assess potential breaches of ethics or security protocols.
