Donald Trump has appointed Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to his transition team shortly after both former Democrats endorsed his presidential campaign. This move comes as Trump gains diverse support among voters.
Gabbard, a former congresswoman and military veteran who represented Hawaii from 2013 to 2021, left the Democratic Party in 2022, criticizing what she termed the party’s “wokeness.” She recently joined Trump at an event in Detroit to honor U.S. service personnel killed in a 2021 attack in Afghanistan, where she also criticized the Biden administration.
Kennedy, who initially sought the Democratic nomination this election cycle, later ran as an independent before endorsing Trump.
The Trump campaign announced that Gabbard and Kennedy would serve as honorary co-chairs of the transition team alongside Trump’s sons and running mate, J.D. Vance. Transition teams are crucial in selecting future political appointees and establishing priorities for an incoming administration.
Trump senior advisor Brian Hughes highlighted the significance of the endorsements from Gabbard and Kennedy, noting the campaign’s appeal across party lines.
In an open letter, over 200 Republicans, including former staffers from previous administrations and notable senators, expressed their support for Trump’s rival, Kamala Harris. They criticized the prospect of another Trump administration, claiming it would threaten American democracy.
Gabbard’s shift from the progressive left of the Democratic Party to supporting Trump was outlined as part of her evolving political journey. During her 2020 presidential run, she advocated for liberal policies like government-run healthcare and gun control. However, after Biden became the nominee and won the presidency, Gabbard later left the Democratic Party, embracing more conservative views, especially on issues like abortion and transgender rights, while also frequently appearing on Fox News.
As the election approaches, speculation continues regarding her potential role in Trump’s campaign, although the vice presidential spot has been filled by Vance.