By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
Donald Trump's presidential campaign has gained a notable endorsement from Tulsi Gabbard, a former congresswoman and one time Democratic presidential candidate. Gabbard, who distanced herself from the Democratic Party in 2022, officially backed Trump during an event in Detroit, Michigan, a crucial swing state.
Gabbard, 43, left the Democratic Party after criticizing its direction, particularly its focus on "wokeness," and has since become a frequent and vocal commentator on Fox News. During the Detroit event, she appeared alongside Trump to honor U.S. service members who were killed in a 2021 attack in Afghanistan, using the occasion to criticize the Biden administration's handling of the situation. Trump condemned the incident, calling it a "humiliation" that damaged America's global credibility.
Earlier in the day, Gabbard and Trump participated in a ceremony at Arlington Cemetery in Virginia, paying tribute to the fallen service members. Gabbard, a military veteran herself, urged voters from across the political spectrum Democrats, Republicans, and independents to support Trump in the upcoming election, framing it as a crucial decision for the nation's future.
Gabbard's endorsement of Trump is a significant moment in her political evolution, which began on the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. She was the first Hindu member of Congress and once served as vice chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee before resigning to support Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential bid. Gabbard ran for president in 2020, advocating for liberal policies such as government-run healthcare, free college tuition, and gun control. However, after Joe Biden secured the Democratic nomination and later the presidency, Gabbard left the party, denouncing its "cowardly wokeness."
By 2024, Gabbard had become an outspoken supporter of Trump, whom she believes is facing a politically motivated prosecution by left wing elements in America, posing a threat to democracy. There was speculation that she might be considered as Trump's running mate, though the role eventually went to JD Vance. Her departure from the Democratic Party and subsequent shift to supporting Trump have drawn criticism, with some accusing her of promoting Russian propaganda.
Gabbard's endorsement follows a similar move by another Democratic defector, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently ended his independent presidential campaign to back Trump. In response to Gabbard's endorsement, top Democrats dismissed her support, arguing that Trump is more concerned with gaining the backing of extremists than focusing on the concerns of average Americans.
