Context:

In a significant shift, many Republicans in Congress who previously opposed U.S. aid to Ukraine have changed their stance in alignment with President Trump's new support for the country. This reversal comes despite past vehement opposition to such aid, as Trump has now proposed a plan to expedite weapons to Ukraine, emphasizing that NATO countries will bear the costs. Prominent Republicans who once criticized aid to Ukraine, such as Representatives Derrick Van Orden and Troy Nehls, now endorse Trump's strategy, citing his leadership and diplomatic acumen. However, some Republicans, like Representatives Eli Crane and Marjorie Taylor Greene, criticize the shift, viewing it as a betrayal of their electoral mandate to prioritize domestic issues. This division highlights Trump's influence over the party and the complexities within Republican foreign policy positions concerning Ukraine and Russia's aggression.

Dive Deeper:

• Less than two years ago, House Republicans opposed U.S. aid to Ukraine strongly enough to oust their speaker, Kevin McCarthy, over accusations of a secret deal supporting Ukraine. Their opposition was rooted in concerns about prioritizing foreign conflicts over domestic issues.

• The recent pivot in Republican support for Ukraine follows President Trump's announcement of a new plan to supply weapons to Ukraine, with a critical change being that NATO countries would pay for these weapons, not the U.S. upfront.

• Key Republican figures, such as Representatives Derrick Van Orden and Troy Nehls, who were once vocal critics of aiding Ukraine, have reversed their positions to align with Trump's new approach, citing trust in his leadership and diplomatic strategy.

• Despite Trump's influence, some Republicans, like Representative Eli Crane, argue that the American public prefers addressing domestic problems rather than foreign conflicts, reflecting concerns about Trump's reversal on Ukraine aid.

• Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene remains critical, highlighting a perceived betrayal of campaign promises to end U.S. involvement in foreign wars, and expressing confusion over the shift among her peers who now support Trump's plan.

• Senator Rick Scott, once a staunch opponent of military aid to Ukraine, now supports Trump's initiative, marking a dramatic shift from his previous public denouncements of bipartisan aid efforts.

• The change in Republican attitude underscores Trump's strong influence over the party and the ongoing tension within it regarding foreign policy and military involvement in international conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war.