This was a damaging decision as the nation’s new president, Volodymyr Zelensky, started his term and congressionally approved military aid to Ukraine was frozen at a critical moment.
There was no mystery as to what Trump’s position was on Russia. Even as he maintained sanctions, his actions played a major role in giving Putin legitimacy and respect on the world stage because of his rhetoric as well as his actions toward Ukraine. While many Republicans might have been unhappy with this turn of foreign policy, he still had a strong base that supported him for reelection in 2020. That is the single measure that really counts. The bottom line is the fiercest of Republican Russian hawks are likely among those who stood by him going into the 2020 election.
Now, more Republicans are being open about the costs of Trump’s actions in Russia to the world and to the party. Recently, former Republican representative from Pennsylvania and CNN political commentator Charlie Dent urged his party to shift course and embrace the “traditional” Republican foreign policy strategy of muscular internationalism.
Some Republicans are pushing back against Trump, to some extent, after having been unwavering foot soldiers during his presidency. Former Vice President Mike Pence, for one, is expected to condemn Republican “apologists” who have complimented Putin, according to excerpts of a speech to top GOP donors obtained by CNN.
Read More:Opinion: Trump’s stance on Russia haunts the GOP
2022-03-05 08:48:00