J.D. Vance, speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Maryland, mentioned his recent trip to Europe. He had urged for relaxed AI regulations in Paris and questioned Europe’s dedication to democracy in Munich, notably omitting any mention of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Back in Washington, D.C., after a family wedding in San Diego, Vance seemed refreshed.
Vance’s criticisms of European nations, coupled with Trump’s inclination towards Vladimir Putin, have reportedly caused concern among European leaders, who are now considering strategies in case the U.S. withdraws its security commitments against Russia.
This shift in U.S. foreign policy has largely been met with indifference at the MAGA-friendly CPAC. Vance’s mention of his Munich speech was met with cheers. House Speaker Mike Johnson, when questioned about further Ukraine funding, noted the lack of support, which was echoed by the audience’s disapproval.
Attendees at CPAC expressed few reservations about Trump’s distancing from the Biden administration’s support for Ukraine. Marco Rubio’s meeting with Russia’s foreign minister to discuss ending the conflict without Ukrainian involvement, along with Trump’s description of Zelensky as a “dictator” and his false claim that Ukraine initiated the war, were further signs of this shift.
Johnson defended Trump’s criticism of Zelensky as a tactic to facilitate a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, suggesting it was a “level set.”
Conference speakers, including international right-wing figures, focused more on critiquing Europe than on Ukraine’s future. Mateusz Morawiecki, former Polish Prime Minister, labeled Europe as a “continent in decline.” Liz Truss, former British Prime Minister, lamented the state of Britain and expressed hope for a MAGA-like movement. She also suggested a British CPAC conference, which CPAC organizer Matt Schlapp supported.
Some of the sentiments mirrored Vance’s remarks at the Munich Security Conference, where he highlighted the internal threats to Europe’s values as his primary concern, rather than external actors like Russia or China.
CPAC attendees seemed unconcerned about the possibility of Trump abandoning Ukraine. Indira Roberts stated that domestic needs should take precedence over assisting other nations. Ann Kertef voiced concerns about the accountability of the $65 billion in U.S. military aid to Ukraine.
Hogan Gidley, a GOP strategist, noted that Trump’s supporters prioritize ending the war in Ukraine and trust Trump’s ability to achieve peace, regardless of the specific methods employed.
