Donald Trump gets ex-Democrat's endorsement while in Detroit, says U.S. 'closer to World War III'

Former President Donald Trump was back in Michigan on Monday for his first visit to Detroit since accepting the Republican Party's nomination for president. Speaking at a conference convened by the National Guard Association, he tailored his address around the military and immigration.

He praised the members in attendance while chastising the Biden Administration's handling of the country's exit from Afghanistan - a familiar attack deployed by the nominee this election cycle.

While many of his statements focused on themes that he normally highlights during rallies, like illegal immigration and foreign policy, Monday's appearance included an endorsement from an ex-Democrat.

Tulsi Gabbard, who sought the Democratic ticket's nomination in 2020 before dropping out and eventually leaving the party, gave brief remarks in support of the former president.

"He keeps us in his heart in the decision he makes," she said of Trump.

It's not the first time the president has spoken at the event, having done so in 2016 during his first run for president.

During his appearance, he promised to deport migrants living in the U.S. illegally and argued the country's withdrawal from Afghanistan "gave us" conflicts between Israel and Gaza, as well as Russia and Ukraine.

"I don't know if we've ever been closer to World War III," he said.

Among the claims Trump made while discussing immigration was that Democrats "flew in almost a million people in over the border." 

It's not the first time the statement has been made. According to a fact check from the Associated Press, a Biden policy allows people from some countries to enter the country if they apply online with a financial sponsor. You can read it here.

Trump's Detroit visit also comes a day before his pick for vice president, JD Vance, visits Big Rapids. And the former president will be back in Michigan later this week with a scheduled visit to Potterville, near Lansing.

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