Tulsi Gabbard’s Longstanding Connection to the Science of Identity Foundation

Investigative reporter Jon Swaine released an exposé showing that former U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard received “specific, explicit direction for years” from Chris Butler, the founder of the Science of Identity Foundation (SIF). A whistleblower supplied documents indicating that Gabbard’s political actions were coordinated with Butler, a pattern that persisted from her early career through her tenure as Director of National Intelligence (DNI).

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Chris Butler began attracting followers in the 1970s, forming a group that unsuccessfully attempted to run political candidates. Over subsequent decades the organization shifted ideological positions, simultaneously condemning Muslims, homosexuality, gun control and public schools while endorsing environmentalism and anti-capitalism. The SIF presents itself as a benign Hindu sect in Hawaii but is described in the source material as a secretive group with cult-like characteristics.

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• Tulsi Gabbard – Former U.S. Representative from Hawaii, 2021-2022 DNI, and longtime member of SIF.

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• Chris Butler – Charismatic leader of SIF, identified in the investigation as the primary influencer of Gabbard’s political direction.

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• Science of Identity Foundation (SIF) – Religious organization founded by Butler, characterized in the source as a cult with typical authoritarian features.

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• Early 2000s: Gabbard and her family align with Republican, socially conservative positions.

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• Mid-2010s: Transition to progressive Democratic platforms, including anti-war advocacy.

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• 2019-2020: Public support for Bernie Sanders, followed by alignment with former President Donald Trump’s agenda.

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• 2021: Appointment as Director of National Intelligence.

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• June 2026: Swaine’s article released; two days later Gabbard resigns, citing her husband’s rare bone-cancer diagnosis.

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Gabbard announced her resignation from the DNI role, attributing the decision to her husband’s health condition. No public comment from Chris Butler or the Science of Identity Foundation was recorded in the source material.

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The investigation suggests that Butler’s influence extended beyond religious guidance, potentially shaping Gabbard’s policy positions and party affiliations. The source characterizes the relationship as a conduit for power acquisition, noting that Gabbard’s political “shapeshifting” aligns with Butler’s historically fluid ideological stance. Critics argue that the pattern reflects broader concerns about cult-like dynamics within political movements.

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The sources acknowledge uncertainty regarding Butler’s ultimate agenda and Gabbard’s personal motivations. While documents indicate direction from Butler, the investigation does not provide definitive evidence of specific policy outcomes directly resulting from that influence. Additionally, the SIF’s internal operations remain opaque, limiting verification of claims.

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• “inveighed against Muslims, homosexuality, gun control and public schools, but also promoted environmentalism and anti-capitalism.” — Chris Butler (as quoted in Jon Swaine’s documents)

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• “Two days after she learned Swaine’s article would be punished, she resigned from her job as DNI citing her husband’s diagnosis with a rare form of bone cancer.” — Salon article

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• “What they want to do with it is unknown.” — Salon article

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• “Those indicated that Gabbard has been taking specific, explicit direction for years from Butler.” — Salon article

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The revelations have prompted calls for further scrutiny of Gabbard’s past affiliations and potential congressional inquiries into the influence of religious organizations on elected officials. No formal investigation has been announced as of the article’s publication date.

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