2024 Democratic Presidential Contender Says Open to Trump Admin Post
A moderate Democrat who briefly entered the race against President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination has joined the growing list of party members praising President-elect Donald Trump for welcoming diverse voices into his administration.
Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) stated on Friday that he would be open to serving in a role within Trump’s White House.
During an interview with NewsNation, Phillips reflected on Trump’s historic victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, saying, “I am not a big fan of the president himself, but I understand the MAGA movement. I understand why people are angry.”
Amid Trump’s recent wave of high-profile Cabinet nominations, Phillips expressed his willingness to work toward bipartisan solutions in Washington. “If there is a job that could help the country and that my skillset would be useful for — anybody should consider that,” he said on Thursday.
Phillips underscored the importance of competency and integrity in reforming the federal government. “If we come to a point where no Democrat would want to serve in a Republican administration and conversely, we’re limiting 50% of the universe of potential appointees, and that’s what I’m trying to overcome,” he explained.
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Democratic Congressman Dean Phillips says he is open to working in the Trump administration.
— End Tribalism in Politics (@EndTribalism) November 15, 2024
“I actually support an office of government efficiency, for gosh sakes it’s long overdue. Our debt is out of control.”
“If there's a job that can help the country and that my skill set… pic.twitter.com/5S3ovvdtnm
Phillips is not alone in his openness to the incoming administration. According to the Washington Examiner, several disillusioned Democrats have already gained prominence in Trump’s political circle.
Among them is SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a former Democratic voter whose support for free markets and limited government led him to endorse Trump. Musk has been appointed to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency, an initiative aimed at reducing bureaucratic waste. Phillips praised the department, remarking, “For gosh sakes, it’s long overdue. Our debt is out of control.”
Another notable addition to Trump’s team is former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard from Hawaii. Once critical of her party’s leftward shift, Gabbard has been selected to serve as Trump’s Director of National Intelligence. A former Army National Guard officer, Gabbard became an Independent after an unsuccessful 2020 Democratic presidential bid and recently joined the Republican Party. She has since accused Democrats of becoming the “anti-freedom” party, criticizing their stances on war, censorship, open borders, and poverty.
Similarly, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who initially sought the Democratic nomination for president, has shifted his allegiance. After accusing the Democratic Party of manipulating primary rules to shield Biden from competition, Kennedy launched an independent campaign before endorsing Trump. He cited greater trust in Trump to uphold free speech, resolve the Ukraine conflict, and address chronic diseases. Trump has nominated Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
Phillips, who launched a presidential challenge to Biden last October, also faced challenges within the Democratic Party. He suspended his campaign in March and ultimately endorsed Biden, but has since voiced concerns about the lack of competition within his party.
As Trump continues to build his administration, the willingness of Democrats like Phillips, Gabbard, and Kennedy to join his team highlights the president-elect’s appeal across party lines and his focus on reform.