A report published by The Washington Post alleges that former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard may have received extensive guidance throughout much of her political career from Chris Butler, founder of the Science of Identity Foundation, a religious movement that some former members and scholars have described as a cult.

According to the report, journalists obtained hundreds of confidential memos that appear to document advice, directives, and strategic recommendations related to Gabbard’s political activities over more than two decades.Gabbard began her political career in Hawaii in 2002 and later served in Congress before becoming Director of National Intelligence.She recently resigned from that position, citing her husband’s declining health.

The Washington Post investigation suggests that Butler’s influence may have extended to decisions involving policy positions, legislative proposals, media appearances, and political messaging.

Reporter Jon Swaine wrote that former followers of Butler claimed he exercised significant control over the lives of members and sought to expand his influence through political channels.The memos reviewed by the newspaper reportedly included recommendations about legislation, foreign policy issues, and public communications.

One cited example involved a proposal regarding the partition of Iraq, while others contained critical evaluations of Gabbard’s public statements and political performance.Some of the documents reportedly used harsh language to criticize Gabbard, describing certain responses as ineffective or insufficiently direct.

The report presents these materials as evidence that influential advisers connected to Butler may have played a substantial role in shaping aspects of Gabbard’s political trajectory.

The article focuses on the allegations and evidence described in the investigation and does not establish definitive proof that Butler directly controlled Gabbard’s decisions.