Former President Donald Trump has expanded his coalition by adding former Democrats Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard to his transition team, signaling a strategic effort to attract support from across the political spectrum as he seeks to return to the White House.
Trump campaign senior advisor Brian Hughes confirmed the additions, telling Fox News Digital, “As President Trump’s broad coalition of supporters and endorsers expands across partisan lines, we are proud that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard have been added to the Trump/Vance Transition team.” Hughes emphasized the significance of their involvement, stating, “We look forward to having their powerful voices on the team as we work to restore America’s greatness.”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent figure from the Kennedy family, initially launched his 2024 presidential campaign as a Democrat before switching to run as an Independent.
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However, Kennedy suspended his campaign last week and endorsed Trump—a remarkable endorsement given his family’s deep-rooted ties to the Democratic Party.
RFK Jr. officially announces his support for President Trump! pic.twitter.com/ZfnmWswiUC
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 23, 2024
Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii and a military veteran, also made headlines this week by endorsing Trump.
Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party and now identifies as an Independent, has increasingly aligned herself with conservative values. During her endorsement speech, Gabbard appealed to Americans of all political affiliations.
BOOM: Tulsi Gabbard Just ENDORSED Donald Trump
She’s calling on all Americans to join her “in doing all that we can to save our country and elect President Donald J. Trump and send him back to the White House to do the tough work of saving our country and serving the people.”… pic.twitter.com/aaqyzsYARU
— The Vigilant Fox 🦊 (@VigilantFox) August 26, 2024
“I am proud to stand here before you today, whether you’re a Democrat, a Republican or an Independent,” Gabbard said. “If you love our country, as I do, if you cherish peace and freedom as we do, I invite you to join me in doing all that we can to save our country and elect President Donald J. Trump and send him back to the White House to do the tough work of saving our country and serving the people.”
Gabbard’s involvement with the Trump campaign extends beyond her endorsement. She has been tapped to assist with debate preparation as Trump gears up for his September 10th debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, scheduled to take place at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Gabbard’s experience as a former Democratic presidential candidate, particularly her debate performances against Harris in 2019, is expected to be a valuable asset for Trump as he prepares for the upcoming face-off.
Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took to social media to offer his own interpretation of the “Make America Great Again” slogan, which has been a central theme of Trump’s political messaging.
What “MAGA” really means
The phrase has troubled liberals who think it is a call for a return to an America before civil rights, gay rights, and women’s rights. But I have a more generous interpretation, one that is truer to my experience of Donald Trump as he is today. “Make…
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) August 25, 2024
“‘Make America Great Again’ recalls a nation brimming with vitality, with a can-do spirit, with hope and a belief in itself,” Kennedy wrote. “It was an America that was beginning to confront its darker shadows, could acknowledge the injustice in its past and present, yet at the same time could celebrate its successes.”
Kennedy went on to describe his vision of America, reflecting a blend of nostalgia and forward-looking ideals. “It was a nation of broad prosperity, the world’s most vibrant middle class, and an idealistic belief (though not consistently applied) in freedom, justice, and democracy. It was a nation that led the world in innovation, productivity, and technology. And it was the healthiest country in the world.”
Kennedy also highlighted his discussions with Trump supporters and the former president himself, emphasizing that their shared goal is to restore this vision of America. “I have talked to many Trump supporters. I have talked with his inner circle. I have talked to the man himself. This is the America they want to restore.”
Here’s what MSNBC had to say about the addition of Robert F. Kennedy Jr and Tulsi Gabbard, both of who ran or tried to run for President of the United States as Democrats, to Donald Trump’s transition team. Watch:
The addition of Kennedy and Gabbard to Trump’s team underscores a broader strategy aimed at appealing to a diverse voter base as the 2024 election approaches.
Their endorsements and involvement in the campaign are expected to bolster Trump’s efforts to present a united front and draw support from voters who may be disillusioned with the current political landscape.
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