MAGA's Putin Predicament

written by a member of the WCB

When Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it sent shockwaves through the international community. While most American politicians were quick to condemn the action, a surprising number of MAGA-aligned figures initially offered statements that seemed to support or at least downplay Putin's aggression.

Let's take a closer look at some of these controversial responses.

1. Former President Donald Trump:

Trump's initial reaction to the invasion was to call Putin "smart" and "savvy." He praised the Russian leader's strategy, stating, "This is genius. Putin declares a big portion of Ukraine as independent. Oh, that's wonderful." While he later clarified that the invasion was a "holocaust" and wouldn't have happened under his administration, his initial comments raised eyebrows.

2. Tucker Carlson:

Then a prominent Fox News host, Carlson questioned why Americans should hate Putin, asking, "Has Putin ever called me a racist? Has he threatened to get me fired for disagreeing with him?" He also suggested that Ukraine wasn't a democracy worth defending.

3. Marjorie Taylor Greene:

The Georgia Representative tweeted that NATO countries' support for Ukraine was "like poking the bear" and suggested that Ukraine should give up its NATO aspirations to avoid conflict with Russia.

4. Madison Cawthorn:

The former North Carolina Representative called Ukrainian President Zelensky a "thug" and the Ukrainian government "incredibly evil," comments he later walked back after facing criticism.

5. Josh Hawley:

The Missouri Senator argued against Ukraine joining NATO, aligning with Putin's demands, though he did condemn the invasion once it occurred.

6. Mike Pompeo:

The former Secretary of State under Trump described Putin as "very shrewd" and "very capable," praising his strategic thinking, though he too later condemned the invasion.

It's important to note that as the invasion progressed and its brutality became apparent, many of these figures adjusted their stances.

However, their initial reactions sparked controversy and raised questions about the MAGA movement's approach to foreign policy and its stance on authoritarian leaders.

This episode serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between domestic politics and international relations, and how quickly positions can shift in the face of unfolding global events.

It's also a testament to the power of public opinion in shaping political discourse, as many of these politicians found themselves backtracking in the face of widespread condemnation of Putin's actions.