Former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard Joins Republican Party, Endorses Trump at NC Rally

Former Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii, Tulsi Gabbard, has made a significant political shift by officially joining the Republican Party after campaigning for Donald Trump in his 2024 presidential run.

Gabbard, who had previously switched to independent status in 2022, made the announcement during Trump’s rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Tuesday night.

Gabbard told the rally attendees, “The Democrat Party has no home for people like us, but we do have a home in the Republican Party — where we are welcomed with open arms by President Trump and so many of you who love our country.”

She went on to praise Trump’s leadership, saying, “It is because of my love for our country and specifically because of the leadership that President Trump has brought to transform the Republican Party… that I’m proud to stand here today and announce that I’m joining the Republican Party.”

The 43-year-old veteran and former lawmaker expressed her disillusionment with the Democratic Party, where she had been a member for over two decades.

She described the party as “completely unrecognizable” and criticized Vice President Kamala Harris, accusing her of being “anti-freedom, pro-censorship, pro-open borders, and pro-war without even pretending to care about peace.”

In her remarks, Gabbard also took aim at “warmongers” in both parties, singling out former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, former Wyoming Senator Liz Cheney, for backing Harris.

Gabbard accused them of supporting policies that benefit the military-industrial complex over the American people. “President Trump has pledged to end wars, not start them,” she said, adding that the current Democratic Party would do everything possible to undermine him.

Gabbard also criticized what she described as efforts to “silence” Trump, accusing the Democratic establishment of weaponizing the federal government to target him. “This man has the courage to take them on and root out the deep rot of corruption and the swamp in Washington,” she stated.

Trump, who appeared surprised by Gabbard’s announcement, expressed his gratitude, calling it a “great honor” to welcome her to the Republican Party. “Wow, that was a surprise,” Trump said, reacting to her speech.

Sources close to Gabbard have indicated that she is being considered for a position in Trump’s administration should he win a second term. While no specific role has been confirmed, her experience in foreign policy has been highlighted as a potential area of focus.

In the upcoming election, North Carolina is seen as a critical battleground state with 16 Electoral College votes. Current polling data shows Trump leading Vice President Kamala Harris by less than one percentage point in the state, according to the RealClearPolitics average of polls.