Story perspectives

Whistleblower Links Rep. Gabbard to Cult Leader, Resigns

6/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

A whistleblower supplied documents proving Rep. Gabbard received direction from Chris Butler, leader of the Hawaii-based Science of Identity Foundation.
After the New York Post exposé, Rep. Gabbard resigned as Director of National Intelligence, citing her husband’s bone-cancer diagnosis.
Jon Swaine’s investigation used the leaked files to link Rep. Gabbard’s decisions to Chris Butler’s guidance.
Analysts say the cult’s authoritarian leadership and total-loyalty demands reflect broader worries about cult-like politics.

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Story summary

A whistleblower supplied documents proving Rep. Gabbard received direction from Chris Butler, leader of the Hawaii-based Science of Identity Foundation.
After the New York Post exposé, Rep. Gabbard resigned as Director of National Intelligence, citing her husband’s bone-cancer diagnosis.
Jon Swaine’s investigation used the leaked files to link Rep. Gabbard’s decisions to Chris Butler’s guidance.
Analysts say the cult’s authoritarian leadership and total-loyalty demands reflect broader worries about cult-like politics.