Former 2020 presidential candidate and Hawaiian congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard announced on Tuesday that she is leaving the Democratic Party. In a video announcement posted on Twitter, Gabbard cited the party's lack of focus on "the issues that matter most to the American people" and its "elitist cabal of warmongers" as reasons for her departure.
Gabbard, who served in the US House of Representatives from 2013 to 2021, gained a reputation as a maverick within the Democratic Party for her criticism of its leadership and willingness to work with Republicans on certain issues. She was particularly vocal in her opposition to US military interventions overseas, a stance that put her at odds with many of her Democratic colleagues.
In her video announcement, Gabbard also criticized the party for its focus on diversity, arguing that it has become "a hollow buzzword" that obscures the need for policies that will improve the lives of all Americans. "We must stand up against the powerful elite and special interests that control our politics and undermine our democracy," she said.
Gabbard's decision to leave the Democratic Party has been met with mixed reactions. Some progressives have praised her for standing up to the party's establishment, while others have criticized her for aligning with Republicans on certain issues and for her past comments on LGBTQ rights.
Former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard blasted her former party on Friday, saying its "core principals" and focus on diversity are "hollow buzzwords." Gabbard, who left the party earlier this year, has been a vocal critic of the party's leadership and its policies on issues like foreign intervention and healthcare.
Gabbard's criticism of the Democratic Party is not new. During her presidential campaign in 2020, she faced pushback from party leaders for her willingness to work with Republicans and her opposition to certain party policies. She also faced criticism for her past comments on LGBTQ rights, which she has since apologized for.
In an attempt to boost interest in former President Donald Trump's 2024 campaign for the White House, some allies are reportedly thinking of reaching out to Gabbard. While Gabbard has been critical of Trump in the past, her willingness to work across party lines and her opposition to certain Democratic policies could make her an attractive ally for the former president.
Gabbard has also been vocal about her concerns over central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), which she argues threaten individual freedom and privacy. In a speech at the Bitcoin 2023 event, she described CBDCs as a "Trojan horse for the surveillance state" and called for greater transparency and accountability in the development of digital currencies.
Despite her departure from the Democratic Party, Gabbard has not ruled out a return to politics. In an interview with Fox News, she said that she is "keeping all options on the table" and is open to running for office again in the future.
In the meantime, Gabbard has continued to speak out on a range of issues, including gun laws and national security. She has been a vocal advocate for the Second Amendment and has criticized efforts to restrict gun ownership. She has also called for greater transparency and accountability in national security policies, arguing that the US government has been too quick to intervene in the affairs of other countries.
Overall, Gabbard's departure from the Democratic Party and her willingness to speak out against party leaders and policies have made her a controversial figure within the US political landscape. While some see her as a principled maverick, others view her as an opportunist who is willing to align herself with anyone who will further her own political ambitions. Regardless of one's opinion of Gabbard, however, it is clear that she is not afraid to speak her mind and to stand up for what she believes in.
