Former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii announced on Tuesday that she is officially joining the Republican Party, further distancing herself from the political organization she once sought to lead. Gabbard made the announcement during a rally for former President Donald Trump, whom she endorsed for the 2024 presidential election back in August.
“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 said, standing on stage with Trump a few feet away.
The crowd responded with loud applause, as Trump smiled and clapped in approval.
“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 added.
Gabbard chose not to run for re-election to her House seat in 2020, opting instead to join the crowded Democratic primary, where President Biden ultimately secured the nomination and the presidency.
A National Guard veteran who served two tours in the Middle East, Gabbard has been a longtime critic of the Democratic establishment, particularly its involvement in foreign wars. She was the only Democrat to vote “present” during Trump’s first impeachment in 2019. In 2016, she supported Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) for president and later endorsed Biden in 2020.
Gabbard officially left the Democratic Party in 2022, becoming an independent. Since then, she has campaigned for prominent Republicans and frequently appears as a commentator on conservative media platforms.
It’s no surprise that Tulsi Gabbard became a Republican, given her long-standing criticism of Democratic foreign policy and her maverick political approach. Throughout her career, Gabbard often clashed with Democrats, particularly over issues like U.S. military interventions, where she voiced strong opposition to what she saw as unnecessary wars.
Her “present” vote during Trump’s first impeachment signaled her willingness to break from party lines, and her independent view over the years was evident. Aligning with the GOP and endorsing Trump fits her narrative of rejecting the Democratic agenda in favor of a more populist view within the Republican Party.
