Debate over Ukraine aid, US border security dominates annual conservative conference
At the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), held in the suburbs of Washington, attendees grappled with the juxtaposition of supporting Ukraine while addressing domestic concerns, particularly border security.
Among them was Patti Douglas, an avid supporter of former President Donald Trump, who expressed her unequivocal backing for Ukraine’s need for assistance, despite Trump’s stance on tying aid to immigration measures.
While commemorating the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, discussions around a $60 billion security package in Congress were underscored by Trump’s insistence on conditioning aid to Kyiv with immigration policies. However, Douglas advocated for separate bills, emphasizing the urgency of supporting Ukraine independently of other issues such as border security.
Stephanie Jordan and Nannette Coil, attendees donning cowboy hats amid a sea of Trump paraphernalia, echoed a sentiment prioritizing domestic affairs over international aid. They emphasized the need to secure the US border before extending further assistance to Ukraine, drawing parallels to the safety instructions on airplanes.
During his address, Trump focused extensively on illegal border crossings, vowing to prioritize border security and deportation efforts if elected. While briefly mentioning Ukraine, Trump reaffirmed his belief that Putin would not have invaded if he were in office, citing his past rapport with the Russian leader and previous military support for Ukraine during his tenure.
Reflecting on the current situation, attendees like Mary Phelps stressed the necessity of securing the US border before allocating resources to foreign aid. Phelps, echoing sentiments of others, called for increased contributions from NATO partners while acknowledging the complexity of the geopolitical landscape.
Amidst discussions on migration and the Ukraine conflict, attendees grappled with the hypothetical scenario of Trump’s return to office and its potential implications. Uncertainty loomed as participants deliberated on the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and its implications for US foreign policy and domestic priorities.
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