Up for debate: Trump, DeSantis and 2024 GOP hopefuls' stance on military and Ukraine
Up for debate: Trump, DeSantis and 2024 GOP hopefuls' stance on military and Ukraine
Mike Brest
The first Republican presidential debate is fast approaching on August 23rd, where candidates will hope to close the gap on former president Donald Trump and separate from the rest of the pack. In this series, Up For Debate, the Washington Examiner will look at a key issue or policy every day up until debate day, and where key candidates stand. Today's story will examine U.S. support of Ukraine against Russian aggression.
By and large, the Republican Party has denounced the military's emphasis on diversity and inclusion within its ranks under the Biden administration. GOP critics argue that focusing on the individual identities of those within the service both limits or reduces military readiness while also contributing to the recruiting struggles facing nearly every service branch. Current DOD leaders have stood by the policies, arguing instead that diversity of viewpoint helps create a more inclusive environment while citing a number of contributing factors to the recruiting situation, including less familiarity with the military among recruiting-aged individuals, a smaller percentage of them who are eligible to service due to health and drug requirements, as well as a tough labor market.
GOP leaders have also denounced the Pentagon's decisions, under the Biden administration, to focus on climate change, allow transgender individuals to join the military, as well as the department's policy on reimbursing the travel expenses associated with traveling out-of-state for an abortion due to local laws enacted after the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe V. Wade.
One of the biggest ways the GOP field has differentiated themselves from one another is via their stance on continuing United States aid to Ukraine. Some argue they would stop aiding Ukraine — the Biden administration has provided Ukraine with more than $113 billion, including more than $40 billion in military equipment since Russia invaded in February 2021 — while others have blamed Biden for not doing enough to support their freedom.
CUT OR REDUCE SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE:
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https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/republican-debate-trump-desantis-2024-gop-hopefuls-stance-military-ukraine
