Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, a Democrat who ran for president four years ago, endorsed former President Donald Trump’s bid for the White House at the National Guard Association’s annual meeting in Michigan. Gabbard, a National Guard veteran with experience in the Middle East, expressed concern about the current administration’s handling of multiple wars and the risk of nuclear war, leading her to support Trump’s reelection.
During the meeting, Trump blamed Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden for the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, calling it a “catastrophic” event that damaged America’s global credibility. While a State Department review found faults with both the Trump and Biden administrations regarding the withdrawal, Trump praised Gabbard’s military service and background as a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve.
Gabbard’s foreign policy views, shaped by her combat experiences, have consistently embraced anti-interventionist principles, criticizing U.S. involvement in conflicts like those in Syria and Afghanistan. She has also opposed military aid to Ukraine and has reportedly assisted Trump in debate preparation against Harris, with whom she clashed during the 2020 Democratic primary.
Overall, Gabbard’s endorsement of Trump reflects a shift away from her previous Democratic policy stances towards a more collaborative approach with the former president. This development underscores the complex dynamics at play within the political landscape as different factions navigate alliances, criticism, and strategic positioning.
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