Ex-Democrat Tulsi Gabbard Officially Endorses Trump
Tulsi Gabbard’s Political Transformation
Tulsi Gabbard, the former congresswoman who once ran as a Democratic candidate for the presidency in 2020, has officially endorsed Donald Trump for his 2024 presidential campaign. This endorsement marks a significant shift in Gabbard’s political journey, which has seen her move from the progressive left of the Democratic Party to supporting one of its most prominent critics, Donald Trump.
Tulsi Gabbard Joins Trump in Michigan
On Monday, Tulsi Gabbard, 43, joined Trump on stage in Detroit, Michigan, a key swing state in the upcoming election. Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party in 2022 due to its "wokeness," has since become a regular commentator on Fox News. Her endorsement of Trump was delivered during an event that commemorated the US service members killed in a 2021 attack in Afghanistan, where she seized the opportunity to criticize the Biden administration's handling of the situation.
Tulsi Gabbard’s Military Background and Critique of US Foreign Policy
A military veteran herself, Tulsi Gabbard has been a vocal critic of US military interventionism throughout her political career. Her appearance with Trump in Michigan was preceded by a visit to Arlington Cemetery in Virginia, where they paid tribute to American lives lost in service. Gabbard emphasized the importance of electing Trump in November, appealing to Democrats, Republicans, and independents to support him, stating that it was essential for "saving our country and serving the people."
Gabbard’s Shift from the Democratic Party to Supporting Trump
Gabbard’s support for Trump is the culmination of a dramatic political shift. She was the first Hindu member of the US Congress and served as vice-chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee before resigning to endorse Bernie Sanders in 2016. In 2020, she ran for president, advocating for progressive issues like government-run healthcare and free college tuition. However, after Joe Biden became the Democratic nominee and ultimately won the presidency, Gabbard distanced herself from the party, criticizing it for succumbing to "cowardly wokeness."
Tulsi Gabbard and Trump: A New Political Alliance
By early 2024, Gabbard had publicly praised Trump, positioning him as a defender of American democracy against what she described as the left-wing's threats. There was even speculation that Gabbard might be considered as Trump’s running mate for the 2024 election, a role that eventually went to JD Vance. Gabbard’s alignment with Trump follows her increasing presence on Fox News, where she has been accused of "promoting Russian propaganda" by officials in Ukraine.
Reactions to Gabbard’s Endorsement
Gabbard’s endorsement of Trump came shortly after another notable endorsement from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently suspended his independent campaign for the White House to support Trump. The reaction from top Democrats was swift, with the party’s Rapid Response Director, Alex Floyd, criticizing Trump for focusing on endorsements from figures like Gabbard and RFK Jr. Floyd stated, "Rather than focusing on earning the support of hardworking Americans, Trump is more fixated on winning the backing of extremists like Gabbard and RFK Jr — and they’ll do nothing but weigh down his sinking ship of a campaign."
Who Is Tulsi Gabbard?
Tulsi Gabbard is a former US Congresswoman who has made headlines for her shift from being a Democratic presidential candidate to endorsing Donald Trump. Known for her military service and strong stance on non-interventionist foreign policy, Gabbard’s political journey has been marked by significant changes, ultimately leading to her endorsement of Trump in 2024.
