2024 Dem Presidential Contender Open to Trump Admin Role

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Rep. Dean Phillips, who briefly ran against President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination earlier this year, has become the latest member of his party to express admiration for President-elect Donald Trump’s efforts to bring a wide range of voices into his incoming administration.

In an interview with NewsNation on Friday, it was made clear by Phillips that while he wasn’t a fan of Trump himself, he understood the appeal of the MAGA movement. Reflecting on Trump’s decisive victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, Phillips stated that he was not a big fan of the president but understood why people were angry and why the MAGA movement resonated.

As Trump recently unveiled his Cabinet nominees, it was shared by Phillips that he was willing to consider joining the administration. It was stated by him on Thursday that if a job could help the country and align with his skillset, anyone should consider such an opportunity.

Phillips, who has called for a reformed federal government, emphasized the importance of having individuals with competence and integrity in leadership positions. It was further stated by him that while the federal government needed reform, it should be carried out by people with the competency and integrity required to do so.

It was explained by him that political polarization was limiting opportunities for qualified individuals across party lines. He further noted that if a point were reached where no Democrat would want to serve in a Republican administration, and vice versa, it would limit 50% of the universe of potential appointees, something he was trying to overcome.

Phillips isn’t alone in his growing disillusionment with the Democratic Party. Several former Democrats, frustrated with their party’s direction, have become significant figures within Trump’s orbit, according to the Washington Examiner.

Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has been among the most prominent former Democrats to align with Trump. Musk, who had voted Democratic for years, admitted that his support for limited government and free markets led him to endorse Trump during the 2024 election cycle. Trump has appointed Musk to head the Department of Government Efficiency, tasked with reducing bureaucratic waste. The new office was also praised by Phillips, who noted that it was long overdue, emphasizing that the national debt was out of control.

Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic representative who served in the liberal state of Hawaii, has also joined Trump’s team. Disillusioned with her old party’s leftward movement, Gabbard, a former Army National Guard and Army Reserve officer, changed her political affiliation.

After accusing the party of manipulating the rules to secure Biden’s reelection, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also left the party. Kennedy Jr. had initially planned to compete in the Democratic primary against Biden. After dropping out of the race, Kennedy applauded Trump, saying he trusted the Republican leader to address the plague of chronic illnesses, end the war in Ukraine, and defend free expression.

Like Kennedy, Phillips launched a presidential challenge to Biden last October, accusing the party of stifling competition. Though Phillips suspended his campaign in March and eventually endorsed Biden, his comments signal growing dissatisfaction within the Democratic Party.