GREENSBORO, N.C. (TNND) — Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard announced Tuesday to Donald Trump and his supporters that she would be joining the GOP, the “party of the people,” and leaving the Democrats.

She made the important membership announcement during a rally in North Carolina, helping the former president bolster his support in a key swing state for the election, which is 13 days away.

Gabbard joined Trump’s campaign in August along with fellow Democratic outsider Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who praised the 45th president’s support for free speech and freedom.

The former lifelong Democrat criticized the current Democratic Party, citing Vice President Kamala Harris’ stance on the border and war.

“Today’s Democratic Party is completely unrecognizable, which speaks to the clear choice we have in this election today,” Gabbard said at Tuesday’s rally in Greensboro. “If you look at Kamala Harris’ party, for example, it’s anti-freedom.” It’s pro-censorship, it’s pro-open borders, it’s pro-war, without even appearing to support peace is close to the heart.

The now-Republican praised Trump and the party, repeating her comments when she endorsed him at the National Guard Association conference earlier this year.

“Because of my love for our country, and especially because of the leadership that President Trump has taken to transform the Republican Party and return it to the party of the people and the party of peace, I am proud to stand in this position.” “I am here with you today, President Trump, to announce that I am joining the Republican Party,” Gabbard said while standing a few feet away from Trump.

Gabbard represented Hawaii’s 2nd District in Congress as a Democrat from 2013 to 2022, but left the party in 2022 and became an independent before this current party switch.

Trump said he was “surprised” by Gabbard’s comments but welcomed them. He then honored Kennedy at the rally.

“I want to thank him because he basically came at the same time as Tulsi and he has something incredible about your health, women’s health and all the different elements. I might have to fight him a little bit. “We have to protect the environment, we have to run this country so well, but that’s okay. But he’s really an outstanding guy, and it certainly wasn’t an easy decision for him,” Trump added.

Gabbard’s announcement of switching parties came after a number of Republicans, including former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter Liz Cheney, endorsed Harris.