Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, once a rising star in the Democratic Party, has officially endorsed former President Donald Trump for his 2024 White House bid.
Gabbard, who ran for president as a Democrat just four years ago, made the announcement at the National Guard Association’s annual meeting in Michigan on a solemn day—the third anniversary of the tragic suicide bombing at Kabul’s main airport, which claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members and over 150 Afghans.
Gabbard, a veteran of the National Guard with two tours of duty in the Middle East under her belt, has never shied away from making bold statements. Her endorsement of Trump is no exception. In her speech, Gabbard didn’t mince words, expressing deep concern over the current administration’s handling of foreign policy, which she believes has placed the United States on the brink of multiple conflicts across the globe.
“This administration has us facing multiple wars on multiple fronts and regions around the world, and closer to the brink of nuclear war than we ever have been before,” Gabbard declared, her voice tinged with the gravity of the situation. “This is one of the main reasons why I’m committed to doing all that I can to send President Trump back to the White House.”
Gabbard’s endorsement comes at a time when many Americans are questioning the Biden administration’s foreign policy decisions, particularly the chaotic and disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. Trump, seizing the moment, participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to honor the 13 service members who were killed during the U.S. exit from Afghanistan. Later, in Detroit, he laid the blame squarely on Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden, calling the withdrawal a “catastrophic” failure.
“Caused by Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, the humiliation in Afghanistan set off the collapse of American credibility and respect all over the world,” Trump said in a forceful address to the National Guard Association of the United States. His words echoed the sentiments of many who believe that the Biden administration’s handling of the withdrawal has weakened America’s standing on the global stage.
While a 2023 U.S. State Department review found fault with both the Trump and Biden administrations in the lead-up to the withdrawal, the impact of the Biden administration’s decisions continues to resonate deeply with voters, especially those who prioritize national security and military strength.
Trump was quick to praise Gabbard’s military service during his speech, highlighting her rank as a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve and her multiple overseas deployments. “Every time she ran, she was good. She did well. She decided to leave, she couldn’t take it anymore. But she is very special,” Trump remarked, acknowledging Gabbard’s distinguished service. “And I didn’t know this, but she is a lieutenant colonel. That’s not bad. Lieutenant colonel? Not bad. I didn’t know that, you know? I just found out. I said, ‘put it down. You gotta put that down’ [in his speech]. That’s better than all the other stuff I read.”
Gabbard’s foreign policy views, shaped by her experiences on the frontlines, have long set her apart from the mainstream of the Democratic Party. Her anti-interventionist stance has made her a vocal critic of U.S. involvement in conflicts like those in Syria and Afghanistan. She has also been a prominent voice against military aid to Ukraine, questioning the wisdom of such commitments without a clear strategy.
In addition to her endorsement, Gabbard is reportedly assisting Trump in preparing for an upcoming debate against Vice President Kamala Harris. The two women have a history, having famously clashed during the 2020 Democratic primary. Both ultimately dropped out of the race and endorsed Biden, but their rivalry seems far from over.
Gabbard’s endorsement of Trump marks a significant realignment in American politics, signaling a shift away from the Democratic Party she once championed. Her support for Trump underscores the growing concern among many Americans about the direction of the country under the current administration. As the 2024 election draws nearer, Gabbard’s endorsement could galvanize a crucial segment of the electorate—veterans and those disillusioned with the current leadership—further strengthening Trump’s bid for a return to the Oval Office.
