(Scypre.com) – Democrat-turned-Independent Tulsi Gabbard, the former congresswoman from Hawaii, has officially endorsed former President Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race. Gabbard made her endorsement during a speech at the National Guard conference in Detroit, highlighting her concerns about the current state of American politics and the direction of the Democratic Party.
Gabbard’s speech focused on what she described as an “anti-freedom culture” within the current political landscape. “We as Americans must stand together to reject this anti-freedom culture of political retaliation and abuse of power,” Gabbard stated, expressing her fears that the country could be “destroyed by politicians who will put their own power ahead of the interests of the American people, our freedom, and our future.” Her endorsement of Trump is a significant move, as she once served as a Democratic representative for Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2021.
The timing of Gabbard’s endorsement is noteworthy, as it coincides with the third anniversary of the suicide bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members following the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. Reflecting on this event, Gabbard emphasized the need for strong leadership to navigate the challenges facing the nation. “I am proud to stand here before you today, whether you’re a Democrat, a Republican, or an Independent,” she declared. “If you love our country, as I do, if you cherish peace and freedom as we do, I invite you to join me in doing all that we can to save our country and elect President Donald J. Trump and send him back to the White House to do the tough work of saving our country and serving the people.”
Gabbard’s endorsement of Trump also comes on the heels of her departure from the Democratic Party in 2022, which she denounced as an “elitist cabal of warmongers.” Her criticism of the party has been consistent since then, with Gabbard frequently appearing at conservative events, such as the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) and the Faith and Freedom Coalition’s Road to Majority Conference.
Gabbard’s history with Vice President Kamala Harris adds further context to her endorsement. During the 2019 Democratic presidential primary, Gabbard, who was also a candidate, sharply criticized Harris for her record as California’s Attorney General. Gabbard specifically targeted Harris for reportedly jailing hundreds of Californians for marijuana violations while allegedly laughing about her own use of the drug. “She put over 1,500 people in jail for marijuana violations and then laughed about it when she was asked if she ever smoked marijuana,” Gabbard said during a debate.
Gabbard’s alignment with Trump comes as the former president prepares for a major debate against Vice President Harris on September 10 at the National Constitutional Center in Philadelphia. Gabbard has been recruited by Trump’s team to assist with his debate preparation, underscoring her commitment to his campaign.
The endorsement also follows the recent suspension of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Independent presidential bid, with Kennedy similarly throwing his support behind Trump. Kennedy cited the Democratic Party’s “continual legal warfare” against both Trump and himself as reasons for his decision, describing the primary process as a “sham.” Kennedy has announced that he will be campaigning alongside Trump until the election.