OPINION: This article may contain commentary that reflects the author’s perspective.
Former Hawaii Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard, who transitioned to a registered Independent after leaving the Democratic Party following the 2020 election, received notable applause during her appearance at a National Guard conference in Detroit, Michigan, where she shared the stage with former President Donald Trump, having endorsed him just a week prior.
“Aloha! I know we’ve got Hawaii in the house here. There we go. It’s a privilege to be with all of you, my brothers and sisters in uniform, especially on this day of all days,” Gabbard opened her remarks. “I had the privilege of joining President Trump this morning at Arlington Cemetery, where he honored two Gold Star families and the loved ones of Staff Sergeant Hoover and Sergeant Gee, both of whom tragically lost their lives among the 13 killed in the Abbey Gate attack three years ago today in Kabul.
“As we stood there, I felt the weight of the sorrow shared among us as he laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, standing alongside these brave marines’ loved ones. It was a profound moment that underscored the sincere appreciation he holds for service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and for their families who continue to grieve. This hits home for me personally, as I know it does for many of you in this room. It’s real; it’s not just words. I was deployed to Iraq in 2005 with the Hawaii Army National Guard as part of Charlie Med,” Gabbard continued.
“For those of you who served during this period, you know it was a challenging time with high casualties, and daily we bore witness to the heavy human cost of war. Each flight back home was shadowed by the reality that many of our comrades were left behind, and devastatingly, some of us returned only to lose others to suicide,” she added. “When I say that I know President Trump understands the grave responsibility that comes with being a president and commander-in-chief for every single life—whether you’re a soldier, airman, marine, sailor, or coastguardsman—it’s from a place of lived experience. He considers our well-being in every decision he makes,” Gabbard elaborated.
“Throughout his first term, we witnessed his commitment to peace. Not only did he refrain from initiating new conflicts, but he also actively sought to de-escalate ongoing tensions. He consistently exercised the courage we expect from our leaders, opting for diplomacy over war and striving to engage adversaries, allies, and partners alike in the quest for peace, viewing military intervention as a last resort,” she expressed.
“As we approach the critical decision point as a nation this November, it’s important to note that the same can’t be said about Kamala Harris. This contrast is a core reason why I’m dedicated to supporting President Trump’s return to the White House, where he can again act as our commander-in-chief,” Gabbard emphasized.
“I believe his priority will be to guide us back from the precipice of war. Peace is a prerequisite for prosperity, and we cannot enjoy freedom while facing governmental retaliation against political adversaries or the erosion of our civil liberties through weaponization of institutions. Kamala Harris has facilitated such actions over the past three years. If elected as president, I have no doubt she would continue this trajectory,” Gabbard claimed.
“I have become a target, recently added to a secret domestic terror watch list due to my vocal opposition regarding the threats we would confront should Kamala Harris gain the presidency. As Americans, we must unite to reject this culture of political retribution and exploitation of power. We cannot allow our nation to be dismantled by those who prioritize their power over the genuine interests of the American populace—our freedom and our future,” she stated.
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