Republicans don’t agree with 1 word Trump recently used.
Republican lawmakers continue to back former President Donald Trump’s stance that Ukraine should hold elections, even though many of them do not fully agree with his assessment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “dictator.” While the support for Ukraine remains strong among Republicans, there is increasing concern about the continued absence of elections in a country embroiled in conflict.
Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), the Senate Majority Whip, stated that the situation is delicate and needs room for negotiation, recognizing the complexities of holding elections during wartime. Despite this, Trump’s remarks resonate with those who value democratic principles. “If they are a democracy, they should hold elections,” Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) asserted, drawing comparisons to how elections were still held during World War II in Britain and the United States.
Trump’s position stems from his belief that Ukraine’s refusal to hold elections is undemocratic. He has criticized Zelenskyy for postponing the election originally scheduled for 2024 due to the martial law declared after Russia’s invasion in 2022. Trump argues that Ukraine’s failure to act democratically is part of why the country remains fractured and its people continue to suffer.
While some Republican leaders, like Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), continue to fault Russian President Vladimir Putin for the invasion, they also agree with Trump’s broader view that Ukraine’s situation needs urgent reform. Graham has voiced his belief that Trump is Ukraine’s “best hope” to end the war, noting that his approach to peace negotiations could succeed where others, including President Joe Biden, have failed.
However, some Republicans, such as Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), disagree with Trump’s harsh rhetoric against Zelenskyy. Kennedy, for example, has condemned Putin’s actions, labeling him a “gangster” and an “evil person.” Others like Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-S.D.) have suggested that Trump’s comments may be part of a broader negotiation strategy rather than a straightforward attack on Zelenskyy’s leadership.
In the midst of this internal debate, there are signs that U.S. foreign policy is evolving. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz have recently emphasized the need for Ukrainian elections in their diplomatic discussions with Russian officials. Despite the geopolitical challenges, it’s clear that the Republican Party is divided on how best to support Ukraine’s war effort while upholding the principles of democracy and self-determination.
For many Republicans, the ultimate goal remains a swift resolution to the war. Trump’s assertion that he is the only leader capable of bringing peace has struck a chord with those who feel that both Europe and the Biden administration have failed to secure a lasting solution. Yet, as the debate continues, the Republican Party remains committed to holding Russia accountable for its aggression and ensuring that Ukraine’s sovereignty is respected—though how to achieve that peace remains a point of contention within the party.