A fresh controversy has erupted surrounding Tulsi Gabbard's past alleged association with the ITServe Alliance, a prominent platform representing IT companies in the United States. This organization has faced accusations of aggressive visa lobbying and reportedly replacing American workers with H1-B visa holders from abroad.
Investigative Journalist Exposes 2017 Connection
The controversy was ignited by American investigative journalist Amanda Louise, who highlighted that Gabbard, now serving as Director of National Intelligence in the Trump administration, appeared at an ITServe Alliance event in 2017. This revelation has sparked significant debate about potential conflicts of interest, given Gabbard's current powerful position overseeing national intelligence matters.
ITServe Alliance is widely recognized for its active involvement in visa and immigration policy discussions, particularly concerning skilled foreign labor. During the 2017 event, Gabbard was photographed sharing the stage with key leadership figures from the organization, creating visual documentation that has now resurfaced in the current political climate.
Connection to Viral Immigration Lawyer Remarks
Adding fuel to the controversy is the organization's link to Indian-American immigration lawyer Sheela Murthy, who went viral last month for making aggressive remarks about US President Donald Trump. At an ITServe event in Seattle, Murthy criticized Trump's immigration policies using inflammatory language, telling the audience to "kick the butt of Donald Trump" and suggesting they do so "twice."
Murthy's comments didn't stop there. She also mocked Trump's personal life by pointing out that two of his wives were immigrants and questioned his authority by stating, "The president is not God" and emphasizing that he doesn't make laws unilaterally. These remarks triggered substantial backlash from MAGA supporters and GOP leaders, who accused Murthy of displaying open hostility toward the President.
Journalist Questions Gabbard's Association
Amanda Louise directly connected this episode back to Gabbard, describing the association as "not a great look" considering Gabbard's current high-ranking role within Trump's administration. The journalist emphasized that "receipts matter," pointing to documented evidence of Gabbard's participation in ITServe Alliance events during a period when the organization was actively engaged in visa policy advocacy.
Gabbard's Broader Connections to India
This controversy adds another layer to the ongoing discussion about Gabbard's long-standing relationship with India and Hinduism. In a 2017 interview with TV5 News, a Telugu news channel, Gabbard spoke extensively about US-India cooperation and economic partnership. During the same interview, she discussed her personal faith journey, explaining how she became a practicing Hindu and took her oath of office with her hand on the Bhagavad Gita.
Gabbard emphasized the mutual benefits of collaboration between Americans and Indian Americans, stating that such partnerships contribute to the overall development of both nations. This background has led some observers to question whether her cultural and religious connections might influence her policy perspectives, particularly regarding immigration matters affecting Indian professionals.
Recent Controversies Compound Scrutiny
Earlier this month, Gabbard faced additional criticism for her delayed reaction to US military operations in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of leader Nicolas Maduro. This incident revived attention to her previous public statements where she argued against US interference in other countries' affairs, stating that invasion should not be considered a viable foreign policy option. As a veteran of the Iraq War, Gabbard's military background adds complexity to her foreign policy positions.
The current controversy has sparked reactions across social media platforms, with some commentators expressing concern about potential conflicts between Gabbard's past associations and her current responsibilities. One social media user specifically questioned whether Gabbard would "see through the deception of this H1B visa fraud company," highlighting the ongoing debate about visa program integrity.
As Director of National Intelligence, Gabbard occupies one of the most influential positions in the federal government, responsible for overseeing the entire US intelligence community. The resurfacing of her connections to an organization embroiled in visa policy controversies raises important questions about transparency, past associations, and how they might intersect with current national security responsibilities.
