Tulsi Gabbard, once a Democrat, now an Independent, has endorsed Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential race. She announced her support at a National Guard conference in Detroit, urging Americans to reject political retaliation and stand for freedom.
"We must stand together to reject this anti-freedom culture," Gabbard said. "We can't let politicians destroy our country for their own power. Our freedom and future are at stake."
Her endorsement coincided with the third anniversary of a tragic event—the suicide bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members during the Afghanistan withdrawal.
"I’m proud to stand here today," Gabbard declared. "No matter your party, if you love our country, join me in supporting Trump. Let's send him back to the White House to save our nation."
Gabbard, who represented Hawaii's 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2021, left the Democratic Party in 2022. She labeled it an "elitist cabal of warmongers."
Recently, Trump enlisted Gabbard for debate prep against Vice President Kamala Harris, ahead of their upcoming face-off in Philadelphia. During the 2019 Democratic primary, Gabbard criticized Harris for her stance on marijuana, accusing her of hypocrisy.
"She jailed over 1,500 people for marijuana violations and laughed when asked if she ever smoked it," Gabbard recalled.
Since switching parties, Gabbard has been vocal against Democrats, speaking at conservative events like CPAC and the Faith and Freedom Coalition.
Her endorsement follows Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s suspension of his Independent presidential bid. Kennedy also threw his support behind Trump, claiming the Democratic Party waged legal battles against both him and Trump, calling the primary a sham. Kennedy has pledged to campaign with Trump until the election.