Former US congresswoman and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard formally joined the Republican Social gathering at 78-year-old Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s marketing campaign rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, a battleground state. Gabbard, who left the Democratic Social gathering in 2022, had beforehand endorsed Trump’s presidential bid in August 2024.
Trump’s rally, held within the swing state, marked his full separation from the Democratic Social gathering he sought to signify simply 4 years earlier.
Gabbard, 43, who not too long ago joined Trump’s marketing campaign as honorary co-chair of his transition staff alongside Robert F. Kennedy, one other former Democrat, cited her admiration for Trump’s management in remodeling the Republican Social gathering.
“I’m proud to face right here with you in the present day, President Trump, and announce that I’m becoming a member of the Republican Social gathering. I’m becoming a member of the individuals’s celebration,” Gabbard stated in the course of the rally. “The celebration of equality. The celebration that was based to combat towards and finish slavery on this nation. It’s the celebration of widespread sense and the celebration led by a president who has the braveness and energy to combat for peace “.
Donald Trump, instantly after Gabbard joined the staff, expressed shock after which praised her for the transfer.
“Thanks a lot, Tulsi. That is nice. Wow, that was a shock,” Trump stated. “That was actually, she’s been unbiased for a very long time. That is an excellent factor. An important honor. Thanks a lot, Tulsi.”
Gabbard, in her political profession, was vice chair of the Democratic Nationwide Committee from 2013 to 2016 earlier than resigning to assist Senator Bernie Sanders within the 2016 White Home race.
Gabbard, as a Democrat, additionally represented Hawaii’s Second District in Congress from 2023 to 2021. She additionally served within the U.S. Military Reserves with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Gabbard, who ran within the 2020 Democratic presidential main, drew consideration for her harsh criticism of Kamala Harris, the 2024 Democratic presidential candidate, significantly over Harris’ prosecutorial report in California throughout a debate, Fox Information reported.
After leaving the Democratic Social gathering in 2022, Gabbard went unbiased, internet hosting her personal podcast and talking at conservative occasions.