In a significant political move, former Democratic Congresswoman and 2020 presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard officially announced her switch to the Republican Party at a rally for former President Donald Trump in Greensboro, North Carolina. This momentous decision, revealed before a passionate crowd of Trump supporters, underscores Gabbard’s admiration for Trump’s leadership and her belief that the Republican Party is now more aligned with her values.
Speaking to a cheering audience, Gabbard declared that her decision to join the GOP stems from her deep love for America and her respect for Trump’s role in reshaping the Republican Party into what she described as “the party of the people.” Her praise for Trump was clear throughout her speech, as she commended his commitment to common sense policies, national security, and peace.
“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 and bring it back to the party of the people and the party of peace, that I’m proud to stand here with you today, President Trump, and announce that I’m joining the Republican Party,” Gabbard told the audience.
The former Hawaii Congresswoman, once considered a rising star within the Democratic Party, cited her frustration with the Democratic establishment as part of her decision to switch parties. Gabbard’s support for Trump has grown steadily since she left the Democratic Party in 2022, and her endorsement of him earlier this year signaled her growing alignment with the former president’s policies.
In her remarks, Gabbard passionately explained why she felt compelled to join the GOP, calling it the “party of equality” and the “party of common sense.” She emphasized that the Republican Party, under Trump’s leadership, had returned to its roots, describing it as the party founded to abolish slavery and champion individual rights.
“I’m joining the party of the people, the party of equality, the party that was founded to fight against and end slavery in this country. It is the party of common sense and the party that is led by a president who has the courage and strength to fight for peace,” she said.
This statement reflects Gabbard’s consistent belief that the Democratic Party has moved too far from its core principles. She has often criticized the Democratic establishment for its increasing focus on identity politics and progressive agendas, arguing that these policies alienate everyday Americans. In contrast, Gabbard lauded Trump for prioritizing the well-being of American citizens and fighting for national unity.
One of the main reasons Gabbard cited for her allegiance to Trump and the GOP was Trump’s foreign policy. She noted that during his first term, Trump prioritized peace by avoiding new wars and working to de-escalate global tensions—a core value she shares.
Gabbard, a veteran of the U.S. Army, has long been vocal about her opposition to America’s involvement in endless overseas conflicts. In her speech, she credited Trump with reducing America’s military footprint abroad and striving to protect the country from unnecessary wars. “He is the only president in modern history who didn’t start any new wars,” Gabbard remarked, emphasizing the importance of Trump’s peace-first approach.
Her shift to the Republican Party, she explained, was rooted in her appreciation for the former president’s leadership in foreign affairs. She urged voters to recognize the contrast between Trump’s peace-building efforts and the Democratic Party’s approach to foreign policy, which she characterized as misguided and dangerous.
During her speech, Gabbard also took a sharp jab at Vice President Kamala Harris, a political rival with whom she clashed during the 2020 Democratic primary debates. Gabbard’s scathing critique of Harris’s record as California’s Attorney General earned her widespread attention at the time, and she did not hold back from revisiting those criticisms at the rally.
She once again called out Harris for her tough-on-crime policies, comparing her record to that of former Vice President Dick Cheney. This attack not only served to highlight Gabbard’s disillusionment with her former party but also reinforced her claim that the current Democratic leadership is out of touch with the American people.
Gabbard’s announcement is the latest step in her growing alliance with Trump and the Republican Party, which has welcomed her with open arms. Notable figures within the GOP, including Trump attorney Alina Habba and former racecar driver Danica Patrick, praised Gabbard’s decision to switch parties.
“Red looks good on you,” Habba tweeted, expressing her excitement about Gabbard’s decision to join the Republican Party. Patrick also voiced her admiration for Gabbard, describing her as someone with “so much integrity” and “clearly aligned with American values.”
Gabbard’s shift represents a significant political transformation for a figure who was once considered a maverick within the Democratic Party. Her willingness to embrace Trump and his vision for America signals a new chapter in her career, one that places her firmly on the side of the America First movement.
At the rally, Gabbard concluded by urging voters to support Trump in the upcoming election, framing the 2024 presidential contest as one of the most important in recent history. She argued that a vote for Trump is a vote for the Constitution, individual freedoms, and a stronger, more unified America.
With the 2024 election looming, Gabbard’s endorsement of Trump is sure to resonate with many voters who share her concerns about the direction of the Democratic Party. As a former Democrat now championing Trump’s vision, Gabbard’s decision may have a lasting impact on the political landscape.
