08/18/2025
The Unfiltered Truth About Tulsi Gabbard
In 2015, I was invited to document Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign. It was backstage at one of his rallies that I first met Tulsi Gabbard.
Fast forward to 2019—Tulsi invited me to document her own run for President. I traveled with her and her family—her husband, sister, mother, and father. We shared cramped SUVs and Airbnbs, experiencing the intense, unrelenting pressure of a presidential campaign together. It’s the kind of stress that reveals people’s true character.
And what I saw was rare.
The Gabbards are a unique family—shockingly transparent, consistently kind, and deeply principled. Tulsi hides nothing. She allowed me to film her without makeup, when she was sick, and never once asked to review or censor my footage before it was released.
I was with Tulsi when the smear campaign against her went public. According to the headlines, she wasn’t just a member of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) — she was also allegedly affiliated with the World Economic Forum (WEF).
I asked Tulsi about it directly. She answered without hesitation.
She explained that, early in her political career — when she was still new and relatively naive — she was invited to join the CFR. But as soon as she became aware of the organization’s questionable activities and affiliations, she withdrew her membership.
As for the WEF? In March 2015, Tulsi was invited to take part in their Young Global Leader program.
At first, she felt honored by the recognition. But before formally joining, she took a closer look at the organization — and decided it wasn’t for her.
Despite declining the invitation, the WEF had already posted her photo and biography on their website, implying her participation.
She had to threaten legal action to have all references to her removed.
Even after the campaign, I continued to work with her and her husband Abe, an exceptional cinematographer, on a range of media projects—from her podcast to a documentary about the border crisis. Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Tulsi in a way few others have.
Second only to my wife, Tulsi is the most extraordinary woman I’ve ever had the honor of collaborating with. Most importantly, and critically—especially in today’s political landscape—she is uncorruptible. If it ever seems like she’s playing along with “the system,” trust me: it’s strategic.
If there’s one thing I know with absolute certainty, it’s this: Tulsi loves America and all its people, deeply and sincerely.
Mikki Willis
Father/Filmmaker