Former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii announced Tuesday she is joining the Republican Party, cementing her departure from the party she sought to represent just four years ago.
Tulsi made the announcement at a rally for former President Donald Trump, who formally endorsed his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election in August.
“I'm proud of this because I love this country and especially because of the leadership that President Trump has brought to transform the Republican Party and restore it to the party of the people and the party of peace. “President Trump, I stand here with you today and announce that I am joining the Republican Party,'' Gabbard said at the rally's podium, a few feet behind Trump.
The audience responded with thunderous applause, and President Trump clapped with a satisfied smile on his face.
“I join the party of the people, the party of equality, the party founded to fight slavery in this country and end it. It is the party of common sense, the party of courage and strength to fight for peace. “This is a party led by a president who has,” she continued.
Gabbard did not run for Congress again in 2020, choosing to participate in a crowded Democratic primary that resulted in President Biden winning the nomination and ultimately assuming the presidency.
Gabbard, a National Guard veteran who served two tours in the Middle East, has long criticized Democratic administrations, particularly the country's involvement in wars in the region.
She was the only Democrat to vote “present” when President Trump was first impeached in 2019. He supported Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) in the 2016 presidential election, and ultimately supported Mr. Biden in 2020.
Gabbard left the Democratic Party two years later and became an independent. She continues to campaign for prominent Republicans and is a frequent commentator in conservative media.
