Former President Trump may be drifting away from other top Republicans in his national security preferences. The Republican Presidential Nominee has been worrying GOP lawmakers with his undetermined positions on Ukraine, NATO, and Taiwan.
Republican Efforts to Aid Ukraine and Taiwan
Earlier this year, Republican senators pushed to secure tens of billions of dollars for aid to Ukraine to forestall further Russian occupation. They also sent money to Taiwan to keep China from attacking the U.S. ally. The fact that Trump may not be likewise supportive of these efforts concerns Republican leaders.
Trump’s Invitation to Viktor Orban
Additionally, many conventional Republicans are wary of Trump’s recent invitation to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to visit Mar-a-Lago. Orban is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin and is widely viewed as an ally of Putin in trying to quash NATO’s support for defending Ukraine.
Isolationist Tendencies and Running Mate JD Vance
Individuals concerned about international diplomacy and neo-conservatism were set on alert when Trump selected JD Vance as a running mate, as both men have isolationist tendencies. Vance was the main driver of resistance to the Ukraine aid package.
Concerns About Taiwan Defense Policies
Conventional Republicans have also expressed uncertainty about Trump’s view that Taiwan should contribute to the U.S. for its defense. They balked at Trump’s refusal to assure the world that the U.S. would defend Taiwan from China.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s Remarks
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said of the U.S. posture toward Taiwan, “We don’t know yet who’s going to be the new administration. But it’s pretty clear that our allies in Asia, and now you can add the Philippines to the group, are all concerned about Chinese aggression. They are watching what happens to Russia in Ukraine carefully.”
“This is the clearest example of the democratic world needing to stand up to these authoritarians,” he said. “Reagan had it right. There’s one thing that works. Peace you get through strength.”
Potential Policy Changes and Republican Concerns
Trump and Vance’s potential policy changes will be a shocking departure from traditional party views held for decades.
Lack of Clarity on Trump’s Position
The most unnerving part for many senior Republican Senators is that they cannot pin Trump down. An anonymous Republican Senator told The Hill Newspaper, “It’s a big question” whether Trump would defend Taiwan or Ukraine. The Senator continued, “I don’t think [Trump] desires to be in conflict or to pay for conflicts worldwide.”
Orban’s Meeting at Mar-a-Lago
The Senator did not explain why Trump wanted to meet with Orban at Mar-a-Lago. He called the meeting “concerning” and said, “I can’t tell you why he’s doing it.”
McConnell’s Assessment of Trump-Orban Meeting
Speaking on Trump’s meeting with Orban, McConnell said of the Hungarian leader, “He’s the one member of NATO who’s essentially turned his country over to the Chinese and the Russians. [He’s] been looking for ways to undermine NATO’s efforts to defeat the Russians in Ukraine. So Viktor Orbán, I think, has now made Hungary the most recent problem in NATO.”
Efforts to Pass the Foreign Aid Package
Getting the foreign aid package through Congress this year took significant effort and coordination. When the effort was concluded, and the $95 billion aid package passed with the support of a majority of Republican Senators, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell claimed that the party had “turned the corner on the isolationist movement.”
Implications of Trump’s Selection of Vance
However, Trump’s selection in Vance has caused Republican leaders to consider what will happen if Trump wins reelection.
Senator Ron Johnson’s Agreement with Trump and Vance
Senator Ron Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin who opposed sending billions of dollars of aid to Ukraine, said, “J.D. is probably one of the most outspoken individuals about continuing to fuel the flames of that bloody stalemate. I happen to agree with him. I think President Trump does as well.”
JD Quashes Hope for Future Ukraine Aid
Following the passage of the aid bill, Vance said, “If Ukraine thinks that it’s getting another $60 billion supplemental out of the United States Congress, there’s no way.”
Future Foreign Policy Expectations
Senator Johnson hopes that Trump’s selection in Vance foreshadows how Trump will handle the conflict and foreign involvement in the future. Johnson recalled, “The president said he’d end that thing in 24 hours.”
