(LibertySociety.com) – At a rally for former President Donald Trump in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Tuesday, former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard publicly announced she is joining the Republican Party, officially throwing her support behind Trump’s 2024 campaign. Gabbard, who previously served as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee and represented Hawaii in Congress from 2013 to 2021, took the stage with Trump, endorsing his campaign and expressing admiration for his influence in reshaping the GOP into what she called “the party of the people.”
Her endorsement and formal shift to the GOP follow a series of high-profile moves that signal her alignment with Trump’s vision. Gabbard joined Trump’s team as an honorary co-chair for his transition efforts, joining other notable figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., another former Democrat who has recently voiced support for Trump’s approach.
During her speech, Gabbard commended Trump for what she described as his commitment to transforming the Republican Party, particularly in its pursuit of peace and a platform focused on ordinary Americans. “I’m proud to stand here with you today, President Trump, and announce that I’m joining the Republican Party. I am joining the party of the people,” she told the crowd. Emphasizing historical aspects of the party, she noted that the GOP was “founded to fight against and end slavery,” praising Trump for his leadership and commitment to the cause.
Trump responded warmly to Gabbard’s endorsement, expressing surprise and gratitude, calling her decision “a great honor.” Gabbard’s appearance at the rally marks a striking shift from her 2020 Democratic presidential run, where she famously challenged then-candidate Kamala Harris on her record as California attorney general and criticized her approach to criminal justice.
In 2022, Gabbard left the Democratic Party, citing disillusionment with its direction and publicly declaring herself an independent. Since then, she has continued to voice her critiques of progressive politics, started her own podcast, and frequently spoken at conservative events. As a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, Gabbard has retained a strong stance on national security, often aligning her views with those of conservative leaders on issues like foreign policy and governmental reform.
With early voting underway in several states, Gabbard’s endorsement is being touted by the Trump campaign as a significant boost, especially given her history within the Democratic Party. Her comments add momentum to Trump’s message of unity within the GOP as he continues his push in key swing states like North Carolina.
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