Former Democrats Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard have been named by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump to the transition team that is tasked with preparing the transition of power in Washington and selecting a new administration.
The addition of Robert F. Kennedy and Tulsi Gabbard to the transition team was announced in a statement by the campaign. Donald Trumpemphasizing that the decision demonstrates “the expansion of President Trump's coalition of supporters across party lines.”
Robert F. Kennedy and Tulsi Gabbard – who are they
Kennedy and Gabbard are former Democratic politicians who have publicly endorsed Trump in recent days. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is President Kennedy’s nephew who recently ran as an independent, while Gabbard is a former Democratic congresswoman who unsuccessfully ran for the party’s presidential nomination in 2020 but left the party two years later.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.Shutterstock
Both are known for their anti-establishment views. Both are also strongly opposed to aid. Ukraine and they blame NATO of provoking Russian aggression.
Tulsi GabbardShutterstock
What do transition teams do?
The transition teams are responsible for preparing for the inauguration of the new administration, including selecting key staff for the new administration. Trump’s team is led by two influential campaign donors, Linda McMahon and Howard Lutnick. Vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance and Trump’s sons, Eric and Donald Jr., are honorary chairmen.
As the Washington Post commented, Trump's decision is a reaction to Kamala Harris gaining the support of anti-Trump Republicans. During the recent Democratic convention in Chicago, Republican politicians and former Trump aides appeared every day, and one of the most important speeches was given by former congressman Adam Kinzinger.