The Washington Post reported on June 23, 2026, that former U.S. intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard may have received political guidance from individuals linked to the Hindu religious organization Science of Identity Foundation, which she has known since childhood. The report was based on more than 25,000 pages of documents provided by former member Rebecca Saltzberg. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman who later joined the Republican Party, served as national intelligence director under President Donald Trump and resigned on May 22 citing her husband’s health issues.

According to the report, Gabbard had long-standing ties with the foundation and previously referred to its leader, Chris Butler, as her “guru.” The Washington Post said Butler influenced followers’ major life decisions and sought political influence, though the organization denied being a cult. Documents linked to Butler’s office reportedly contained memos advising Gabbard on congressional work, policy positions, and media appearances.

Some memos included advice on opposing U.S. efforts to remove Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2016. The report claimed similarities between those recommendations and Gabbard’s later political actions. Gabbard has denied that Butler directed her politically, and her representatives accused the newspaper of targeting her Hindu identity.