GREENSBORO, N.C. – Former Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard announced her official switch to the Republican Party during Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, marking the latest turn in her political trajectory.
“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, and 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,” Gabbard declared at the Greensboro Coliseum.
The announcement follows her October 11, 2022 departure from the Democratic Party, when she registered as an independent. Her political career includes serving as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee from 2013 through 2016, during which time she resigned to endorse Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) for president.
Trump welcomed Gabbard’s announcement, calling her “a woman that everybody loves” with “so much common sense.” After embracing her on stage, Trump remarked, “Boy, are you popular!”
Gabbard’s Critique of Democratic Leadership
In her address, Gabbard directed criticism at Vice President Kamala Harris, whom she had previously confronted during the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries over Harris’s record as California’s attorney general.
“She is anti-freedom, she is pro-censorship, she is pro-open borders, and she is pro-war,” Gabbard said of Harris. “Without even pretending to care about peace, as President Trump talked about, she has shamelessly embraced the endorsement and support of warmongers like Dick Cheney, and Liz Cheney.”
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Campaign Role and Recent Alignments
Gabbard currently serves as an honorary co-chair for Trump’s transition team, alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr., another former Democrat who has aligned with Trump. Trump acknowledged Kennedy at the rally, stating, “I want to thank him, because he sort of came in at the same time as Tulsi, and he’s got some incredible thing on your health, on women’s health, and all of the different elements. I may have to fight him a little bit on the environment because we have to, we have to run this country so well, but that’s okay. But he’s really an outstanding guy.”
Political Background
Gabbard’s political career includes:
– Service as Hawaii’s 2nd District Representative (2013-2022)
– Current rank of lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves
– 2020 Democratic presidential campaign
– Endorsement of Joe Biden after ending her campaign in 2020, as reported by USA Today
– October 11, 2022 departure from Democratic Party
The Greensboro rally represents Trump’s efforts to secure support in North Carolina, which is described in the sources as a key swing state. Trump expressed surprise at Gabbard’s announcement, saying, “Thank you very much, Tulsi. That’s great. Wow, that was a surprise. That was really, she’s been independent for a long time. That’s a great thing. A great honor.”
