A Washington Post investigation has thrust a little-known spiritual leader back into the national spotlight, raising fresh questions about the influence Chris Butler may have had on former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard throughout her political career.
Butler, 77, is not a household name in Washington. Yet for decades he has occupied a unique place in Gabbard's life and in the close-knit religious community that helped shape her family's political and spiritual identity.
Known to followers as Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa, Butler founded the Science of Identity Foundation, a Hawaii-based religious movement that emerged from the Hare Krishna tradition in the 1970s. Although the organization traces its roots to Gaudiya Vaishnavism, a branch of Hinduism popularized in the West by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, or ISKCON, Butler broke away and created his own movement.
The group emphasizes vegetarianism, meditation, yoga and devotion to Krishna. Critics, including former members, have long described it as a cult-like organization centered on Butler's authority. Supporters reject that characterization and say it is a legitimate spiritual community.
The connection to Gabbard dates back to her childhood.
The former Donald Trump's director of national intelligence was raised in a family deeply involved with Butler's movement. Her father, former Hawaii state senator Mike Gabbard, has spoken publicly about the family's spiritual ties, while Tulsi Gabbard herself has referred to Butler as her spiritual teacher.
In one of the clearest public acknowledgments of the relationship, Gabbard referred to Butler as her "guru dev," a term used in Hindu traditions to describe a revered spiritual master.
For years, questions about Butler remained largely confined to Hawaii politics. But as Gabbard's national profile expanded, so did scrutiny of the reclusive guru who rarely grants interviews and is seldom seen in public.
That scrutiny intensified this weekend after The Washington Post published an investigation based on thousands of emails, memos, and internal communications. The newspaper reported that Butler's network allegedly provided extensive guidance on political messaging, media appearances, and policy positions throughout key moments in Gabbard's career.
Among the documents reviewed by the Post were transcripts showing discussions of talking points before media appearances. In one exchange, a person identified as "TG," whom the newspaper says was Gabbard, responded approvingly to proposed language.
"That's perfect, that line right there," the transcript quoted her as saying.
In another exchange cited by the newspaper, the same individual reportedly said: "That's a great way to put it."
The Post also reported that language circulated among Butler associates sometimes appeared later in Gabbard's public remarks.
One example involved Gabbard's criticism of the Democratic Party after she was excluded from a presidential debate. According to the newspaper, a memo prepared by advisers included the suggested phrase: "It's not a 'boohoo, I don't get to go to the party' situation, Wolf."
Gabbard later appeared on CNN and told host Wolf Blitzer: "The issue here is not about me saying boo-hoo, I'm going to miss the party."
The newspaper also cited emails involving social media strategy. One subject line reportedly instructed campaign staff: "IMPORTANT TO DO: must tweet around 9am."
Another message emphasized: "Every word of the tweet language is approved."
According to the Post, Gabbard later replied simply: "Sent tweet."
The allegations have renewed debate about whether Butler's role was purely spiritual or whether it crossed into political strategy.
Gabbard has consistently denied that Butler directed her political career.
When asked by The Washington Post in 2019 whether Butler had mentored her politically, she responded: "No, no, not at all."
Her office pushed back even harder against the latest investigation.
"The attacks on Director Gabbard's faith and loyalty are not only false. Yhey are a blatant example of anti-Hindu bigotry," a statement from her chief of staff said.
The statement also dismissed the reporting as based on "allegations tied to a failed $250,000 extortion attempt by a disgruntled former volunteer seeking personal profit, not truth."
Butler himself has denied exerting political control.
In a 2017 interview with The New Yorker, he said that taking positions on public issues "is something that every individual has to deal with on their own."
The controversy resurfaced during Gabbard's rise to one of the highest intelligence posts in the federal government. Critics argued that her long relationship with Butler deserved greater scrutiny, while supporters said attacks on her faith amounted to religious prejudice.
Addressing those concerns during her confirmation process, Gabbard told lawmakers: "Those who oppose my nomination imply that I am loyal to something or someone other than God, my own conscience, and the Constitution of the United States."
The Washington Post investigation does not allege that Butler held any government position or had access to classified intelligence. Instead, it focuses on whether a spiritual leader operating largely out of public view may have exercised a level of political influence that had never been fully disclosed.
For supporters, Butler remains simply a religious teacher whose relationship with Gabbard has been distorted by political opponents.
For critics, the newly revealed documents suggest the connection may have been far deeper than previously understood.
Either way, the man known to his followers as Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa has once again become a central figure in a debate that stretches far beyond Hawaii and into the highest levels of American politics.
