(Washington) By denouncing the “weakness, incompetence and stupidity” of the Biden administration on the Ukraine file, former President Donald Trump has buried for good the old custom according to which American partisan squabbles are suspended in case of conflict abroad.
Posted at 10:58 a.m.
Barely minutes after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “military operation” in Ukraine and the first explosions in Kiev, the former tenant of the White House, de facto leader of the Republican Party, dropped the dogs.
The Russian president has “exploited the weakness, the incompetence and the stupidity of this administration and as an American, it makes me angry, it makes me sad”, the billionaire slammed on the favorite channel of the conservatives, Fox News .
The one who had estimated a few days ago that Vladimir Putin’s strategy in Ukraine was “genius” once again declared that none of this would have happened if he was still in power.
“All of this is happening because of the stolen election,” he assured, reiterating for the umpteenth time his unfounded accusations of irregularities during the 2020 presidential election, in which millions of Americans still believe.
Early in the morning, a White House spokesperson replied, not mincing his words:
“Two nauseating, fearful pigs who hate what America stands for and whose every action is driven by their own weakness and insecurity, rubbing their snouts and celebrating the loss of innocent lives,” Andrew Bates blasted on Twitter about Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
” Good choice ”
Donald Trump’s position is very far from reflecting that of the Republican leadership in Congress, which is much more warlike and neoconservative. Unanimous in denouncing Moscow’s actions, these elected officials call for an ultra-firm reaction from Joe Biden and support the president’s action – at least on a few points.
“It’s time to make it personal for Putin,” said Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, demanding the seizure of “lavish apartments, works of art, yachts” of the Russian president “and his acolytes”.
Former President George W. Bush, often critical of Donald Trump, also called on the “American people and government to stand in solidarity with Ukraine”.
Even Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who usually does not spare his attacks on the Democratic leader, said on Wednesday that Joe Biden had made the “right decision” by sanctioning the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which was to supply Berlin with Russian gas .
Several of these elected officials should also join their Democratic colleagues in cracking down on Moscow when Congress returns to school early next week.
“America First”
But between neoconservatives and isolationists, who has the support of public opinion? With nine months of midterm elections which could well reshape the American political landscape, the question is crucial and will undoubtedly influence everyone’s positions.
According to recent polls, only a minority of Americans believe the United States should play a major role in the conflict.
Probably one of the reasons why a handful of elected officials close to Donald Trump have attacked the Biden administration, accusing it of neglecting Americans on subjects they consider much more urgent, such as inflation or immigration. , in favor of a crisis far too far from home.
“Put the borders of America first,” called elected official Marjorie Taylor Greene, very close to Mr. Trump, on Wednesday.
Many contenders for the Republican nomination, gathered in Florida on Thursday for their high mass and who hope to dislodge Joe Biden in 2024, should not hold back either.