Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman, has officially endorsed Donald Trump for the presidency, marking a significant shift in her political alignment. Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party in 2022 due to concerns about its “wokeness,” has increasingly positioned herself as a vocal supporter of Trump, frequently appearing on Fox News.
At a recent event in Detroit, Michigan, Trump welcomed Gabbard, who is 43, as they remembered U.S. service members who died in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan three years ago. The attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport killed 13 U.S. troops and over 100 Afghans during a chaotic withdrawal as the Taliban regained power. Trump described the incident as a “humiliation” that damaged America’s global credibility.
In her remarks, Gabbard urged voters across party lines to support Trump in the upcoming election, framing it as essential for “saving our country and serving the people.” Her endorsement of Trump comes after a decade-long political journey that began on the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, where she was the first Hindu member of Congress and served as vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee. She later resigned from the DNC to endorse Bernie Sanders in 2016.
Gabbard ran for president in 2020, advocating for progressive policies such as universal healthcare and gun control, but ultimately withdrew as Joe Biden became the Democratic nominee and victorious candidate. Her departure from the party has since positioned her as a critic of Biden, asserting that the prosecution of Trump represents a threat to American democracy.
In recent months, speculation arose about Gabbard potentially being considered as a running mate for Trump, although that position went to JD Vance. Following her endorsement, Gabbard has faced backlash from Democratic leaders, who accuse Trump of courting extremist figures.