As Russian troops entered the Crimean peninsula a decade ago, congressional Republicans vehemently criticized then-President Barack Obama for perceived American leadership retreat. Notable among these critics was Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch Russia critic. However, in a recent pre-dawn vote, Graham and most Senate Republicans opposed a foreign aid package providing wartime assistance to Ukraine, revealing the party's allegiance to Donald Trump.
Only 22 Republican senators broke ranks with Trump to support the aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and other allies. This reflects the continued dominance of Trump's "America First" vision over the party's traditional consensus on internationalism and interventionism.
While there has always been an isolationist strain among hardline Republicans, Trump's presidency dramatically shifted the party's sentiment towards its allies and adversaries. A Pew Research Center survey late last year indicated that nearly half of Republicans believed the US provided too much aid to Ukraine.
Despite Graham's historical stance as a defense hawk and Russia critic, he, like Trump, now opposes the aid package unless it is structured as a loan rather than a grant. This sentiment aligns with Trump's recent claim that foreign aid should be structured as a loan, not a giveaway.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a top Republican, urged his party to support the aid package, emphasizing it as an investment in US interests. However, Trump's opposition to the plan complicated McConnell's efforts, leading to a divided Senate Republican leadership.
While some Republicans dismissed Trump's remarks about encouraging Russia to attack NATO allies, others, like Senator Marco Rubio, downplayed the statement, emphasizing that Trump did not undermine NATO during his presidency.
The aid package, which includes $60 billion for Ukraine, faced opposition even within the Republican leadership. Senator Rand Paul accused McConnell of collaborating with Democrats to "loot the Treasury," while Senator JD Vance claimed the effort was a "plot" to prevent Donald Trump's election.
The bill now moves to the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson must navigate political complexities to secure its passage. However, challenges remain, with Trump-allied hardliners wary of handing Biden a political victory. The House Democrats and pro-Ukraine Republicans are exploring solutions, but obstacles persist before the bill reaches President Biden's desk.