Former Democratic Representative from Hawaii, Tulsi Gabbard, made a notable declaration on Tuesday during a rally for former President Donald Trump, revealing her decision to switch parties and become a Republican.

Back in August, Gabbard had already endorsed Trump as her choice for the presidency in this year’s election.

“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 stated, with Trump standing just a few feet away from her at the Greensboro, North Carolina, rally.

As Trump beamed with approval, the crowd responded with loud cheers and applause.

“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,” Gabbard added.

Shortly afterward, Trump shared a video of Gabbard’s announcement on Truth Social, with the caption, “WELCOME, TULSI GABBARD — MAGA!”

In her speech, Gabbard also took aim at Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate for president, criticizing her as an ineffective leader. She specifically condemned Harris for collaborating with former Republican Representative Liz Cheney, who has been a vocal critic of Trump.

“She is anti-freedom, she is pro-censorship, she is pro-open borders, and she is pro-war,” Gabbard said of Harris, according to The Honolulu Star-Advertiser. “Without even pretending to care about peace, as President Trump talked about, she has shamelessly embraced the endorsement and support of warmongers like Dick Cheney and Liz Cheney.”

Gabbard had previously announced her departure from the Democratic Party in October 2022, urging like-minded “common sense independent-minded Democrats” to follow her example.

Gabbard, who served in the National Guard and completed two tours in the Middle East, was a U.S. House representative for four terms. Notably, she was the only Democrat to cast a “present” vote during Trump’s first impeachment in 2019.

After running for president in 2020 and later dropping out to endorse Joe Biden, Gabbard became the only Democratic candidate with primary delegates who was not invited to the Democratic National Convention that year.

{Matzav.com}