Why Do Trump Supporters Love Democrat Tulsi Gabbard?

image
Published: 09 Feb, 2017
2 min read

Democrats in Congress have predominantly lined up in opposition to President Trump's agenda since he took office last month. Democratic U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, however, is one notable exception.

Rep. Gabbard (D-Hawaii) was thrust into the national spotlight last year when she resigned her position as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee to endorse Bernie Sanders, a blow to the establishment which simultaneously angered and excited many. As a young, Hindu, woman who served in the military, Gabbard is poised to become a rising star on the left.

One policy position in particular, however, creates an interesting alliance between Rep. Gabbard and her unlikely allies in the Trump camp. Gabbard represents the oft-forgotten mantra of the anti-war left. When stepping down from her DNC role to back Bernie, Gabbard explained:

"As a veteran and as a soldier I've seen firsthand the true cost of war. I think it's most important for us as we look at our choices as to who our next commander-in-chief will be ... to recognize the necessity to have a commander in chief who has foresight, who exercises good judgment."

Trump supporters have voiced support for Rep. Gabbard online, especially on /r/The_Donald. Last November, when Gabbard met with Trump to discuss foreign policy, /r/The_Donald was abuzz with praise for the Democratic representative.

The Hill reported that it was Bannon who arranged the November meeting between the two. “He loves Tulsi Gabbard. Loves her,” a source familiar with Bannon’s thinking told The Hill. “Wants to work with her on everything.”

Bannon supposedly admires Gabbard for her independence from the establishment, along with her military experience.

Following their meeting, many speculated that Gabbard might receive an appointment in Trump’s cabinet, a move that appeared to excite many Trump supporters:

Following her recent fact-finding mission to Syria, Gabbard was attacked viciously by the party establishment on both sides and media alike. Trump supporters, however, had a different take on the exchange:

Some supporters even believe Trump might still rip Gabbard from the strangle of the Democratic party:

IVP Donate

Is the Tulsi love coming from the Trump camp really so surprising after all?

As a fiercely independent, anti-establishment, military veteran, Rep. Gabbard has a lot in common with a pro-Trump profile. Her willingness to work with President Trump, as well as others outside her party, puts her in a unique position on the left and her likability appears to transcend party -- a combination that could possibly create a politician who Bernie and Trump supporters alike can rally behind.

Image Source: RepTulsiGabbard Facebook

You Might Also Like

Partisan chess game.
The Gerrymandering Fight is About Democracy -- But Not for the Reasons You Think
The Texas GOP made two significant moves in the last few months to enhance their chances in the 2026 midterms. The first made national headlines and provoked a Democratic Party response. The second has flown under the radar....
20 Oct, 2025
-
4 min read
Isn't It Weird That Congress Feels No Urgency to Re-Open the Government?
Isn't It Weird That Congress Feels No Urgency to Re-Open the Government?
The U.S. has entered Day 22 of the latest government shutdown with no end in sight. As pundits expect it to surpass the 35-day record set during Trump’s first term, a new Gallup poll shows voters’ approval of Congress has plummeted in the last month. Yet, for congressional leaders, there isn’t any urgency to re-open the government. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries trade jabs back and forth in the media, but the blame game continues to be prioritized over solutions....
22 Oct, 2025
-
5 min read
Proposition 50 voter guide
California Prop 50: Partisan Power Play or Necessary Counterpunch?
November 4 marks a special election for what has become the most controversial ballot measure in California in recent memory: Proposition 50, which would circumvent congressional districts drawn by the state’s independent redistricting commission for a legislative-drawn map....
01 Oct, 2025
-
9 min read