Was a Hawaii spiritual group influencing Tulsi Gabbard’s political agenda? What the allegations claim

Fresh questions have emerged over former US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard after a Washington Post investigation alleged that individuals linked to a Hawaii-based spiritual organisation had influence over parts of her political messaging and policy agenda for years.

The report comes at a time of upheaval inside the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), where leadership changes and staff cuts have followed Gabbard’s exit from the agency.

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According to The Washington Post, the investigation draws on more than 25,000 pages of emails and internal records supplied by Rebecca Saltzburg, a former Gabbard campaign worker who was also connected to the Science of Identity Foundation (SIF).

The newspaper reported that individuals linked to SIF founder Chris Butler worked closely with Gabbard’s advisers and contributed ideas that later appeared in her public statements, legislative initiatives and policy positions.

The report cited internal communications that allegedly mirrored themes later advanced by Gabbard in Congress and during media appearances.

One example highlighted by the newspaper involved an email instruction urging action against countries whose citizens joined Islamic State fighters. The Post reported that Gabbard introduced legislation reflecting that proposal roughly a week later.

The investigation also claimed that documents connected to the group contained messaging guidance on issues such as Syria and that similar arguments later surfaced in Gabbard’s interviews and congressional interventions.

The newspaper further alleged that supporters of Butler coordinated online activity aimed at promoting Gabbard’s political profile. According to the report, social media accounts linked to Butler’s followers regularly defended and praised her political career.

Allegations centre on Science of Identity Foundation

Chris Butler, 78, founded the Science of Identity Foundation in Hawaii in the 1970s. The organisation teaches a form of spiritual practice that incorporates yoga.

The movement has faced criticism from former members over the years. Some former associates alleged that Butler exercised extensive influence over followers and maintained a rigid hierarchy within the organisation.

The Washington Post quoted one former member as saying, “I was raised to believe Chris Butler was God’s voice on Earth, and if you questioned him or offended him in any way, you were effectively offending God.”

Another former associate told the newspaper that Butler had ambitions extending beyond spiritual leadership, claiming, “He wanted, he said, to rule the world.”

Former associates also alleged that Butler had previously criticised US intelligence and defence institutions, referring to them as “madmen.”

People close to Butler disputed claims that he authored the directives cited in the report. Associate Sunil Khemaney said he was responsible for the documents. However, The Washington Post said its review of a 173-page dossier found references and biographical details that pointed to Butler.

Gabbard’s spokesperson rejected the allegations.

Workforce cuts add to uncertainty at intelligence office

The controversy unfolded alongside significant developments inside the intelligence community.

CNN reported that staff reductions began Monday at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence under acting Director Bill Pulte, who was selected by President Donald Trump.

A source familiar with the process told CNN that layoffs had already started, saying, “The deep state firings have begun.”

According to CNN, several political appointees considered close to Gabbard were among the first employees dismissed. Some had already been escorted from the premises by Tuesday, sources told the network.

The report said Pulte had arrived at the agency ahead of schedule last week and requested a full roster of employees shortly after taking charge.

CNN previously reported that plans were being examined to remove hundreds of positions across the ODNI. While some assessments initially suggested specific intelligence centres would be heavily affected, sources later indicated the focus of the cuts had shifted.

Two people familiar with the matter told CNN that departments had been instructed to rank employees as part of preparations for the reduction process.

Democrats warn of national security risks

The planned downsizing drew criticism from senior Democratic lawmakers.

Sen. Mark Warner and Rep. Jim Himes wrote to Pulte expressing concern about reports that hundreds of ODNI officers could be fired or placed on leave.

“We are concerned by reports that you intend to fire or place on leave hundreds of Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) officers as soon as this week,” they wrote.

The lawmakers argued that major workforce cuts could undermine an agency created after the September 11 attacks.

“While there is room to consider responsible reductions to ODNI’s workforce, any large cuts would follow on a substantial downsizing that has already occurred in 2025 and risk jeopardising the mission of an organisation explicitly created after 9/11 to prevent any future such terrorist attack,” the letter stated.

They also questioned whether major structural changes should be undertaken by an acting director without consultation with Congress.

A White House official defended the effort by pointing to a Truth Social post in which Trump announced Pulte’s appointment and called for immediate downsizing of the office, including returning personnel to their home agencies.

CNN reported that Pulte oversees the US intelligence community’s 18 agencies in his current role.

Meanwhile, sources told CNN that photographs of Gabbard displayed throughout ODNI headquarters had been removed following the leadership transition.