Ex-Democrat Tulsi Gabbard officially endorses Trump

Tulsi Gabbard, a former congresswoman who once sought the Democratic nomination for president in 2020, has officially endorsed Donald Trump for the upcoming election. This endorsement marks a significant shift in her political journey, as Gabbard had previously distanced herself from the Republican Party. On Monday, she joined Trump on stage in Detroit, Michigan, a crucial swing state that could determine the outcome of the election. Gabbard, who is now 43 years old, left the Democratic Party in 2022, expressing her dissatisfaction with what she described as the party's 'wokeness'. Since her departure, she has become a frequent commentator on Fox News, where she shares her views on various political issues. In contrast, over 200 Republicans who served under previous administrations have rallied behind Trump's opponent, Kamala Harris. These former staffers, including those who worked for presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush, as well as Senators John McCain and Mitt Romney, have voiced their concerns about the potential dangers of another Trump presidency, stating that it could threaten American democracy. Gabbard appeared alongside Trump to honor U. S. service members who lost their lives in a tragic attack in Afghanistan three years ago. This attack, which occurred during the chaotic withdrawal of American troops from the country, resulted in the deaths of 13 U. S. service members and over 100 Afghans at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul. Trump referred to this incident as a 'humiliation' for the United States, claiming it damaged the country's credibility and respect on the global stage. Earlier that day, Gabbard joined Trump at Arlington Cemetery to pay tribute to the American lives lost in the attack. Throughout her congressional career from 2013 to 2021, Gabbard was known for her criticisms of U. S. military interventions abroad. During her speech in Michigan, she called on Democrats, Republicans, and independents to support Trump in the upcoming election, framing it as a matter of 'saving our country and serving the people'. Gabbard's endorsement of Trump represents the culmination of a remarkable political transformation over the past decade. She began her career on the progressive left of the Democratic Party, becoming the first Hindu member of Congress and serving as the vice-chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee. However, she resigned from that position to endorse Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign in 2016. Gabbard ran for president in 2020, advocating for progressive policies such as government-funded healthcare, free college tuition, and stricter gun control measures. Despite her efforts, Joe Biden emerged as the Democratic nominee and ultimately won the presidency. In 2022, Gabbard announced her departure from the Democratic Party, citing its shift towards 'cowardly wokeness'. By early 2024, she found herself publicly supporting Trump, who is set to compete against Kamala Harris for the White House. Gabbard has raised alarms about a perceived threat to American democracy, claiming that the left's prosecution of Trump poses a significant danger. In the months following her departure from the Democratic Party, there was speculation that Gabbard could be considered as Trump's running mate, although that role ultimately went to JD Vance. Since leaving the Democratic Party, Gabbard has become a prominent figure on Fox News, where she has faced accusations of promoting Russian propaganda, particularly from officials in Ukraine. Her endorsement of Trump comes shortly after he received support from another former Democrat, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. , who recently suspended his independent campaign for the presidency. Top Democrats were quick to dismiss Gabbard's endorsement, with the party's Rapid Response Director, Alex Floyd, stating that instead of focusing on winning the support of hardworking Americans, Trump is more interested in gaining the backing of extremists like Gabbard and Kennedy, who he believes will only hinder his campaign.