[SCMP Column] Why Trump Republicans Turned Deaf to Ukraine Aid Requests

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"The deterrence against Russia by NATO in 2022 has failed."

This was a criticism directed at Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), during a recent speech and discussion at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative American think tank. The remark came from Victoria Coates, Vice Chair of the foundation, who previously served as Deputy National Security Advisor under former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Stoltenberg, visiting the U.S. to request increased support for Ukraine, highlighted the importance of the U.S.-NATO relationship and pointed out the problems with Trump’s isolationism and America First policies. He particularly warned, "If Russia wins the war against Ukraine today, China could take Taiwan tomorrow."

However, the American right-wing seems largely indifferent to such grave warnings. They appear solely focused on restoring nationalism through the re-election of former President Donald Trump. They do not hesitate to spread distorted rumors to that end. Furthermore, they seem willing to take actions that benefit Russia or China if it helps Trump regain power.

One notable point in the discussion was Stoltenberg explaining to Vice Chair Coates that Ukraine is not a NATO member. For those unfamiliar with the rhetoric of the American far-right, it might seem strange that someone with Coates’ background was unaware of this fact.

In reality, Coates could not have been unaware. The Heritage Foundation has been a major hub for conservative activists dedicated to expanding the 'culture war' (the Republican opposition to left-leaning universities and educational institutions) and preparing blueprints for right-wing takeover through 'Project 2025' (a scenario plan for administrative reorganization under Republican rule) over recent years.

Kevin Roberts, Chairman of the foundation, is similar. In a recent New York Times (NYT) interview, he referred to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, stating that "our 'sabre-rattling' over Ukraine’s NATO membership was one of the factors that led to this." This implies that any moves that might hinder President Putin should be avoided, a claim Stoltenberg tried to overturn during his official U.S. schedule. The Republican Party is pushing a strategy that blames President Joe Biden for the war crimes committed by the Russian leader.

Alongside this, the Heritage Foundation and right-wing groups are also promoting strategies to distort the fact that Trump and Putin had a firm alliance in the past. Trump tried to restore the Russian leader to a position of global leadership during his tenure, but failed because few Western leaders trusted Putin.

Stoltenberg has consistently explained that NATO’s goal is to prevent Putin from escalating the war against NATO member countries. This strategy appears to have been successful so far. He emphasized that with allied support, Ukraine has been able to reclaim about half of the territory occupied by Russian forces, which was considered nearly impossible and is another success.

Nevertheless, what matters most to Coates and the Heritage Foundation is strengthening the argument that the U.S. should share perspectives with Russia, and even more so with China. This is evident from Trump’s blunt statement at the end of last month that "I don’t believe NATO exists for America." They want us to believe that the liberal, democratic, and rules-based order the U.S. government has built over decades is not worth preserving.

Unlike them, Biden and most Democratic lawmakers are urging the U.S. Congress to secure billions of dollars in urgent supplemental aid for Ukraine. They have joined forces with currently sidelined Republican factions, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

However, the rapid spread of conspiracy theories from the American far-right is a serious concern. For example, the absurd rumor that mega pop star Taylor Swift is a secret agent helping Biden’s re-election is a prime example. The problem is that such conspiracy theories are gaining traction. If Trump supporters believe these theories, they will not question claims that Ukraine aid should be ignored.

Moreover, the far-right hides its disdain for political pluralism behind slogans about border issues unrelated to fiscal responsibility (such as Mexican immigration). This is worrisome because it leads to much more persuasive arguments than Swift’s secret agent conspiracy or Trump’s slogan 'MAGA (Make America Great Again).'

Trump represents not only a reshaping of American politics but also those who oppose the entire liberal democratic order protected by NATO. They reject a pluralistic society that has weakened the power structures once wielded by white men. Currently, women and minorities hold more positions than ever before, and this is better for everyone.

However, these values are being undermined by distortions propagated by Trump, the Heritage Foundation, and other right-wing groups. As the war between Russia and Ukraine continues, the far-right is expected to persist with 'psy-ops' such as conspiracy theories. This could ultimately benefit Russia and China.

Robert Delaney, SCMP Columnist

This article is a translation by Asia Economy of the South China Morning Post (SCMP) column titled 'Why Trump's Republicans are deaf to Nato's cry for Ukraine support.'