Trump's response to Putin's invasion of Ukraine exposes Republican divisions
Republican lawmakers and candidates are largely united in their belief that President Biden's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine Shortcomings – In fact, it is former President Donald Trump's remarks on Vladimir Putin and Ukraine that reveal divisions in the Republican Party on the extent of US involvement in foreign conflicts.
The mixed and sometimes contradictory GOP reactions, both on the campaign trail and on Capitol Hill, underscore how the party remains heavily influenced by Trump, who praised Vladimir Putin as "clever" after the Russian president recognized the independence of two Russian separatists. that controls. eastern regions of Ukraine.
When Russia began a full-scale invasion later on Wednesday, "It all happened because of a rigged election," Trump told Fox News. At a fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago on Wednesday night, he went on to praise Putin, calling him "too smart" to "take over a country for $2 fines." (video statement was distributed on Twitter by American Bridge, a super PAC).
While most Republicans eschewed Putin's actions in Ukraine and called for swift and harsh sanctions, others aligned with Trump echoed the former president's view, taking a less hostile view of the Russian leader and more conservative on any US military action in Europe. Trump allies have reinforced this sentiment on prominent media platforms, many of which portray Washington's concern for Russia as an institutional, even elitist, concern.
Yet Republicans have been largely united in beating Biden in the Eastern European conflict without being held accountable for a congressional vote, as key party figures have criticized the president's leadership.
However, the confused foreign policy position of the Republican Party itself has different blocs vying for political capital and influencing core party voters.
The discussions on foreign policy, and how deep-seated Republican beliefs about America's role in the world have dramatically evolved under Trump, will be featured at the Conservative Political Action Conference, an annual gathering of activists that begins Thursday in Orlando, Florida. Trump is scheduled to speak, along with some traditional Republican voices.
Trump described Putin as "clever" in a radio interview with "The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show" on Tuesday, after the Russian president gave a speech that identified his rationale for Russia's entry into Ukraine. "I said, this is great." Putin declares a large part of Ukraine in Ukraine, and Putin declares it an independent country. Oh, that's great. So Putin now says that it is an independent region, a large part of Ukraine. I said, "How smart is this?" He will come in and be a soldier of peace."
The comments reminded us of Trump's notorious reputation. 2018 summit with Putin in Helsinki, where he took up the Russian president's words about US intelligence agencies. During his first presidential campaign and presidency, Trump criticized NATO and allied countries for not paying his fair share when it came to common defense.
Years later, Republicans running for higher office have praised Trump's handling of Russia, with some appearing to offer views similar to Putin's. Mike Pompeo, who served as Secretary of State and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency in the Trump administration, told Fox News on Sunday that Putin is “a very talented statesman. He has many gifts. He was a KGB agent forever. He knows how to use force. And we have to respect that."
Earlier this week, Pompeo took a less complimentary approach. Twitter“Vladimir Putin is the aggressor. And the Ukrainians are the victims.” But in television interviews and on Twitter, Pompeo argued Trump's outreach to Russia has been successful. “Vladimir Putin is the same person that he was during our administration. The only thing he has changed is American leadership,” he said.
Speaking in Iowa on Wednesday hours before the invasion began, Pompeo intensified his criticism of Putin, calling him an "evil" and despot who "wanted to reinstate this concept of Great Russia or the Soviet Union for so long."
Former ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, who is likely to be a presidential candidate in 2024, has been eager to get involved in the Russia conversation. Her comments focused on the Biden administration, as she nodded to Trump, on Twitter “Vladimir Putin is about to recreate the Russian Empire, if not the Soviet Union. It wasn't long before the leader of the free world prevented that from happening. Today, under Biden, our weakness is provoking Russia." aggression."
Divisions are also evident over the course of the campaign. In retired Sen. Rob Portman's primary in Ohio, for example, Republican candidate Jane Timkin joined other Republicans in calling for tougher penalties. She quoted both Reagan and Trump: “America first means peace through strength. President Trump has shown for four years that we can have a secure southern border and take on our enemies.”
One of his competitors, JD Vance, has defended laissez-faire, arguing that the invasion "has nothing to do with our national security" and that it "distracts 'idiot' leaders from focusing on the things that really matter to us." they matter.” national security, like securing the borders and stopping the flow of fentanyl that kills.” American children, Timkin accused of being the “Republican Cheney”.
Timken, who made an announcement last week linking himself to Trump, responded to Van ce, noting that Ohio is home to 80,000 Ukrainian Americans.
CBS News vote Earlier this month, it was discovered that Republicans would prefer the United States to stay out of the conflict and strongly disagree with the way it treats Russia in general.
On Capitol Hill, Republicans took a harder-line approach and pushed Biden to issue tougher sanctions. Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton criticized the administration for waiting to impose sanctions until after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. "Not a minute to waste," Cotton wrote on Twitter earlier this week.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also called for faster and more comprehensive sanctions, calling for a halt to construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline between Russia and Germany. (The Biden administration issued Sanctions to the pipeline construction company on Wednesday.)
With the invasion getting off to a good start Thursday, House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, a close Trump ally, issued a prominent statement without mentioning the current administration or the previous administration. “Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine is reckless and evil. The United States stands with the people of Ukraine and prays for their safety and resolve,” he said. Putin must be held accountable for his actions.”
"I think this is the time to point to American power," McConnell said. “Both Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi took the wrong message from our rapid withdrawal from Afghanistan. It looked not only messy, it sounded weak." He said speaking with business leaders in Kentucky this week. Therefore, they are pushing borders everywhere in response to perceived American weakness and loss of resolve.
