Former Hawaii Congresswoman and U.S. Army veteran Tulsi Gabbard took the stage at Madison Square Garden during Donald Trump’s latest campaign rally, delivering a powerful endorsement and warning Americans of the risks she believes a vote for Kamala Harris would bring. In her impassioned speech, Gabbard drew a clear line between the two candidates, labeling a vote for Harris as a vote “for war” and contrasting it with her confidence in Trump’s commitment to peace and secure borders.
Opening with a reading from the Declaration of Independence, Gabbard emphasized the urgency of the 2024 election, noting that fundamental rights are “under attack.” She stated, “We stand together as proud Americans in understanding that these very rights are under attack… our ability to live in a truly peaceful and free and prosperous country is on the line.” Gabbard then linked her message to her military background, sharing her personal experience with the costs of war and the profound impact it has on families and service members.
“I’ve deployed to different war zones three times over that period, and I’ve seen the cost of war,” Gabbard said, recalling the sacrifices made by her fellow servicemembers. She underscored that for her, the issue is personal: “I carry their memories and their sacrifice in my heart every day.”
The former Democrat, who announced her switch to the Republican Party last week, outlined her fears of what a Harris presidency could mean, describing it as a “path to war, more war, likely World War Three and nuclear war.” In her view, a Harris administration would align with the interventionist policies of figures like former Vice President Dick Cheney, signaling a return to conflicts that, according to Gabbard, would only lead to greater instability and hardship.
In contrast, Gabbard portrayed Donald Trump as the peace-oriented choice, emphasizing his track record of avoiding new conflicts. “A vote for Donald Trump is a vote for a man who wants to end wars, not start them,” she stated, highlighting her belief that Trump has the “courage and strength” needed to pursue peace. Gabbard went on to argue that Trump’s policies focus on protecting American lives and prioritizing security, particularly when it comes to border control.
“A vote for Kamala Harris is a vote for open borders, where known violent criminals and Islamist terrorists are streaming across our borders, placing us at risk,” she said. “A vote for Donald Trump is a vote for secure borders and safe communities.”
Gabbard’s message is clear: in her eyes, this election is about choosing between a leader who will take America into further conflicts and one who will seek to restore peace and protect American freedoms. For Gabbard, the stakes are deeply personal and tied to her values as a veteran and an American.
As the election heats up, her words at Madison Square Garden reflect a growing sentiment among Americans who view the 2024 race as a critical juncture for national security and the preservation of peace.
.@TulsiGabbard’s full speech at Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally pic.twitter.com/85qYl8MAUQ
— Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) October 27, 2024