In a striking critique during a Fox News interview, former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard lambasted her previous party, accusing its members of dictatorial tendencies and ignoring fundamental American values like free speech.

Tulsi Gabbard's criticism -- which some say came out of nowhere during this election cycle -- emerged amid discussions on Hurricane Milton and swiftly pivoted to concerns about democracy and misinformation, as Rawstory.com reports.

Originally scheduled to discuss the effects of Hurricane Milton, Gabbard appeared on Wednesday night with Fox News host Jesse Watters.

However, the conversation soon shifted towards the Democratic Party’s focus on misinformation, which Gabbard argued overshadowed more pressing disaster-related issues.

Watters expressed dissatisfaction with the current situation, suggesting that Democrats emphasize misinformation more than vital issues like hurricane response, asking, "This misinformation B.S. which they’re trafficking in all day -- they talk about that more than they talk about the hurricane -- what’s that all about?"

Gabbard responded in kind, criticizing the Democratic Party's approach to governance. "They’re really exposing themselves, Jessie. They claim to be defenders of democracy but they’re revealing themselves over and over again to be dictators," she said.

Gabbard Accuses Democrats of Forsaking Constitution

The former congresswoman did not mince words about her concerns with the Democratic Party, stating, "That’s what we’re seeing. They see themselves like dictators do, as the country. And anyone who dares to criticize them is therefore committing a crime, or traitorous, or disloyal to the country. This is how twisted their mindset is, and quite frankly, how dangerous it is."

This strong rhetoric extended to foundational rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Gabbard emphasized, "They don’t actually care about the Constitution, or free speech or the First Amendment." Her comments reflected deep disenchantment with the party’s current trajectory, contrasting sharply with the values she upheld during her tenure as a Democratic representative.

Her critique continued with observations on Democrats’ priorities, suggesting they feared criticism more than failing to fulfill governmental responsibilities, especially under crisis conditions such as natural disasters.

She relayed tough conditions faced by citizens in areas hit by Hurricane Milton, illustrating her point with harsh realities. "It is infuriating to see," Gabbard commented.

Real-Life Implications in Hurricane-stricken Areas

Delving into specifics, Gabbard recounted an anecdote about residents in western North Carolina who, faced with a severe shortage of potable water post-Hurricane Milton, resorted to drinking from a contaminated lake.

This harsh reality stood in stark contrast to what she perceives as the Democrats' detachment from urgent public needs.

FEMA's response to the disaster also came under scrutiny. Gabbard mentioned that FEMA offered a mere $750 per person to victims, a sum she implied was insufficient, saying scornfully, "They’re like, 'Screw $750 -- bring me clean water."' This comment underscored her criticism of federal response efforts, and by extension, Democratic priorities.

Gabbard's appearance on Fox News not only addressed the immediate issues stemming from the hurricane but also highlighted her broader political engagements.

Since departing from Congress, she has been active in political circles, notably assisting Donald Trump in his 2024 campaign, including debate preparations against Vice President Kamala Harris in September.

Broader Political Engagements and Future Implications

While Gabbard's comments during the interview reflect her personal and political evolution since leaving the Democratic Party, they also signal ongoing and increasing polarizations in American politics. Her remarks suggest a firm alignment with conservative perspectives, especially in her stances on constitutional rights, free speech, and governmental accountability.

To conclude, Tulsi Gabbard's sharp departure from the Democratic Party to a critical voice against its current state highlights significant discord and the intense ideological battles shaping the current American political landscape.

By focusing on alleged Democratic missteps during a national crisis, Gabbard not only critiques her former party but also underscores a broader debate on leadership and accountability in times of hardship.