Tulsi Gabbard Plays Key Role in Donald Trump’s Transition Team

In a significant development, former U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard has been instrumental in supporting President-elect Donald Trump‘s campaign and is now involved in his transition team. Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party in 2022 and joined the Republican Party in 2024, has expressed her gratitude to Trump for the opportunity to contribute to his campaign.

Gabbard’s involvement in Trump’s transition process is notable, given her background as a former Democratic presidential candidate and her recent shift to the Republican Party. She is part of a transition team that includes Trump’s family members, such as Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, as well as other key figures like Kennedy Jr. and JD Vance, Trump’s running mate. The transition is also being co-chaired by Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, and Linda McMahon, a former executive of the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term.

The transition process, which has been subject to some delays due to Trump’s legal challenges, is now underway with new rules in place to prevent the kind of holdups seen in previous transitions. The Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022 mandates that the transition process begin five days after the election, regardless of any disputes over the winner.

Gabbard’s role in the transition highlights Trump’s emphasis on loyalty and ideological alignment in his appointments. Unlike his first term, where some Cabinet members eventually broke with him, Trump is focusing on selecting individuals who closely align with his beliefs and style.

This development comes as Gabbard continues to be a prominent figure in conservative circles, having launched her own podcast and made appearances on Fox News, where she has criticized Democratic leaders and supported various Republican causes.