Tulsi Gabbard, the former U.S. Representative from Hawaii, is once again in the political spotlight—this time as President Donald Trump’s nominee for Director of National Intelligence. As the Senate Intelligence Committee prepares to grill her during a tense confirmation hearing, Gabbard’s financial disclosure and personal background are drawing just as much attention as her controversial foreign policy views.
Tulsi Gabbard’s Nomination Raises Eyebrows
The nomination of Gabbard to lead America’s 18 intelligence agencies has sparked both political and public debate. While she has long branded herself as an independent thinker—often at odds with both parties—her past outreach to authoritarian regimes and foreign leaders continues to haunt her. One major sticking point is her 2017 visit with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, now deposed, which many see as a diplomatic misstep.
Her stance on global dictators, combined with past critiques of U.S. foreign intervention, has prompted concern among intelligence veterans. Nearly 100 former officials—including ex-CIA officers and former deputy secretaries of state—have formally requested that the Senate examine Gabbard’s full record behind closed doors before any vote.
The full Senate floor vote is expected to be deeply partisan. Democrats have largely opposed the nomination, citing national security risks, while Trump loyalists have thrown their support behind her, making it a flashpoint for broader debates over deep-state control and intelligence transparency.
Trump Allies Rally Behind Her
Donald Trump Jr. has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his full-throated support for Gabbard, issuing a stern warning to GOP senators:
“Any Republican Senator who votes against @TulsiGabbard deserves a primary. No more Deep State b******!!!!”
The aggressive push from Trump Jr. underscores the stakes of the nomination. For the former president, Gabbard represents a break from establishment figures and a symbol of outsider reform within the intelligence community.
A Look at Tulsi Gabbard’s Financial Portfolio
Amid the political storm, Gabbard’s recent financial disclosure report has attracted just as much public interest. At 42 years old, Tulsi Gabbard has built a net worth estimated between $55 million and $127 million—a significant sum for someone who left Congress in 2021.
Her wealth stems from a wide array of investments. The most notable assets are three large apartment complexes located in Katy, Stafford, and Austin, Texas, collectively valued between $55 million and $125 million. These properties are listed under various LLCs and appear to be her largest sources of capital appreciation.
Beyond real estate, Gabbard’s filings indicate between $100,001 and $250,000 in stocks, including holdings in Tesla, Apple, Nvidia Corp, and the video-sharing platform Rumble. The selection suggests a portfolio that tracks trending tech and emerging markets.
Interestingly, Gabbard has also leaned into digital finance. Her report lists $50,000 in a Bitcoin ETF trust and up to $95,000 in various cryptocurrencies, including Solana, the blockchain network behind the newly launched Trump meme coin. Her crypto portfolio shows between $1,001 and $15,000 invested in Solana alone.
Income Sources: Books, Media, and Public Speaking
Gabbard has turned her post-Congressional career into a high-profile media and speaking platform. In 2024, ABC News reported that she earned approximately $1.2 million through media appearances, book deals, and keynote speeches. Her political podcast and frequent TV interviews have made her a familiar face among conservative audiences, even as she maintains some left-leaning policy roots.
With a growing national following, Gabbard has positioned herself as a cultural and political commentator—a pivot that has not only boosted her visibility but added significantly to her financial portfolio.
Family Background and Religious Beliefs
Tulsi Gabbard was born on April 12, 1982, in Leloaloa, American Samoa, to parents Mike Gabbard and Carol Porter Gabbard. Her father is a former Hawaii state senator, while her mother has remained active in education and nonprofit work. Gabbard’s mixed ethnic background and spiritual roots have often been central to her public identity.
She practices Gaudiya Vaishnavism, a spiritual tradition within Hinduism, and often references her faith when discussing issues like war, peace, and public service. Notably, she was the first Hindu member of the U.S. Congress and has made several pilgrimages to India.
Military Service and National Recognition
Beyond politics and business, Tulsi Gabbard has an impressive military résumé. She served in Operation Iraqi Freedom III and was awarded the Combat Medical Badge for her role in combat missions. She has also received the Meritorious Service Medal and the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency, highlighting her leadership and combat readiness.
These credentials have been cited by supporters as proof of her loyalty to the nation, especially as questions about her foreign policy leanings dominate the headlines.
Recent Trip to India Highlights Intelligence Focus
Coinciding with her confirmation process, Gabbard recently touched down in India as part of a broader Indo-Pacific diplomatic tour. She is scheduled to attend a high-level security conference led by India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, where topics include cross-border terrorism, cybercrime, and enhanced intelligence sharing.
This trip further positions her as a global player in strategic defense conversations—a critical attribute for someone vying to oversee U.S. intelligence networks.