Is Kash Patel Hindu? Is Tulsi Gabbard Hindu?

Both Kash Patel and Tulsi Gabbard identify as Hindus, though their paths to the religion are quite different. Patel was born into a Hindu family, while Gabbard embraced Hinduism as a teenager and made it a central part of her identity.
Kash Patel: Hindu by Birth
Kash Patel was born to Indian parents of Gujarati heritage and raised in a Hindu household. His family, having immigrated to the United States, maintained cultural and religious traditions, exposing him to Hindu festivals, rituals, and values from an early age. Patel’s upbringing likely included visits to temples, prayers, and celebrations of festivals such as Diwali and Navaratri, which are common among Gujarati Hindus. Despite his Hindu background, Patel has not been particularly vocal about his faith in his public career. His professional focus has been on law, intelligence, and national security rather than religious advocacy. However, his Indian roots and Hindu heritage remain an integral part of his identity, even if they do not play a prominent role in his political persona.
Tulsi Gabbard: A Hindu by Choice

Tulsi Gabbard’s path to Hinduism is unique among American politicians. Raised in a multifaith household, she was exposed to both Catholicism and Hinduism from an early age. As a teenager, she felt a deep connection to Hindu philosophy, particularly the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Inspired by its message of selfless duty (karma yoga) and devotion (bhakti yoga), she made a conscious decision to embrace Hinduism fully.
Unlike Patel, Gabbard has made her Hindu identity a public and political strength. She has often spoken about her faith, taken her oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita, and championed religious freedom and pluralism. She follows the Vaishnava tradition, which emphasizes devotion to Krishna, and has integrated Hindu values into her worldview, particularly in areas of public service and leadership.
The inclusion of prominent Hindu figures within the MAGA movement has highlighted a complex interplay between political alignment and cultural identity. While individuals like Usha Vance and Vivek Ramaswamy align with MAGA's core principles, their Hindu faith and Indian heritage have elicited mixed reactions within the movement.
Usha Vance: Navigating Identity in the Political Arena
Usha Vance, wife of Vice President J.D. Vance, embodies the American immigrant success story. A Yale-educated attorney, she has maintained her Hindu faith, a facet of her identity that has drawn both admiration and criticism. During her husband's inauguration, Usha's choice to wear a sari was celebrated by many as a nod to multiculturalism. However, segments of the MAGA base expressed discomfort, with some online commentators making derogatory remarks about her faith and cultural background. These reactions underscore a tension within the movement, where the celebration of American exceptionalism sometimes clashes with nativist sentiments.
Vivek Ramaswamy: The Intersection of Faith and Politics
Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has gained prominence for his critiques of "woke" culture and his advocacy for free markets, aligning him with MAGA's economic perspectives. Despite this alignment, Ramaswamy's Hindu faith has been a point of contention among some MAGA supporters, particularly those with strong evangelical Christian beliefs. His references to the Bhagavad Gita have been met with skepticism by individuals who view non-Christian religions as incongruent with their vision of American identity. This highlights the challenges faced by non-Christian conservatives in gaining full acceptance within certain political circles.
The experiences of these individuals reflect a broader tension within the MAGA movement regarding cultural and religious diversity. While the movement advocates for American greatness and has embraced individuals who contribute to this vision, there remains an undercurrent of nativism that is resistant to non-Christian and non-Western influences. This dichotomy presents challenges for Hindu Americans and other minorities seeking to engage with conservative politics, as they navigate the balance between contributing to a shared national vision and maintaining their distinct cultural identities.