Tulsi Gabbard has sparked intense debate in the US by criticising Islamist ideology as a threat to liberty and democracy. Her remarks highlight concerns over political Islam’s influence within American society.
US National Intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard has delivered a strong critique of what she described as “Islamist ideology”, warning that it poses a threat to individual liberty and democratic values in the United States.
Speaking during a public discussion that has since circulated widely on social media, Gabbard argued that Islamism, which she described as a political ideology distinct from the Islamic faith, is incompatible with the foundations of American freedom.
Referring to developments in parts of the country, Gabbard claimed that efforts were underway to implement Islamic principles through legal and political systems.
“Patterson, New Jersey is proud to call themselves the first Muslim city. They are working to implement these Islamic principles forced on people through laws or violence,” she said, adding that similar trends were visible elsewhere.
“This is already underway in places like Houston. This is not something that may possibly happen. It is already happening here, within our borders,” she told the audience.
Gabbard drew a sharp distinction between religious freedom and what she characterised as Islamism, describing the latter as a political doctrine that rejects individual liberty.
“The bottom line is this: when we talk about the threat of Islamism, there is no such thing as individual freedom or liberty,” she said. “It is fundamentally incompatible with our nation’s foundation of freedom.”
She argued that the US system is rooted in the belief that freedom is inherent and not granted by the state.
“When we understand that our freedom comes from God and no one else, we understand the seriousness of this Islamist ideology threat,” Gabbard said, adding that such ideologies deny this principle.
Clips of Gabbard’s remarks have been widely shared, drawing both support and criticism. Supporters have praised her for openly addressing what they see as a national security and constitutional concern, while critics have accused her of making sweeping generalisations that risk stigmatising Muslim communities.
Gabbard has previously said that her criticism is directed at political Islam and extremism, not Islam as a religion or Muslims as individuals.
