Mike Pompeo Argues Supporting Ukraine Aligns with 'America First' Foreign Policy

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, in an opinion piece for Fox News, contends that supporting Ukraine is consistent with an 'America First' foreign policy, pushing back against calls for the United States to withdraw from global conflicts. Pompeo asserts that deterring adversaries such as Iran and Russia is essential for protecting U.S. interests and that abandoning allies like Israel and Ukraine would undermine America's credibility and reliability on the international stage.

Pompeo criticizes the Biden administration for what he perceives as a reluctance to provide strong support to Ukraine and Israel, arguing that this projects weakness and emboldens U.S. adversaries to act more aggressively. "Deterring our adversaries in Iran and Russia is in America's interest," Pompeo writes. "Abandoning our allies in Israel and Ukraine undermines our credibility and reliability."

The former secretary of state's stance comes amid growing anger among some Republican lawmakers over a bill to send aid to Ukraine, with more conservatives threatening to join a motion to oust House Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his role. Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Republican and Donald Trump loyalist, confirmed he is considering signing on to the motion to vacate the speakership, but seemed open to doing so only if Republicans moved to change the rules for such motions.

Speaker McCarthy faces another potential rule vote rebellion from the far right, but he may have some support from Democrats to get the legislation past this procedural hurdle. The vote on the supplemental legislation, which includes aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, is a political gamble for the speaker, who could likely see a motion to vacate the speakership come to the floor if the Ukraine aid passes the House.

In a letter co-authored with retired Gen. Jack Keane, Pompeo argued that the aid is not about asking Americans to fight or die for Ukraine, but rather about rebuilding America's defense industry and reducing the risk of future conflicts in Europe, the Middle East, or Asia. They contend that opponents of supporting Ukraine have misrepresented the nature of the assistance, and that ignoring the ambitions of dictators like Vladimir Putin would not serve the interests of the United States.

Why this matters: The debate over U.S. support for Ukraine has exposed divisions within the Republican Party, with some lawmakers advocating for a more isolationist approach while others, like Pompeo, argue that engagement is crucial for protecting American interests abroad. The outcome of this debate could have significant implications for U.S. foreign policy and its relationships with key allies.

Pompeo's op-ed and the ongoing political maneuvering in Congress highlight the contentious nature of the debate over U.S. involvement in global conflicts. As the House prepares to vote on the supplemental legislation, the future of American support for Ukraine and other allies hangs in the balance. "Ignoring the ambitions of dictators like Vladimir Putin would not serve the interests of the United States," Pompeo and Keane assert, underscoring the high stakes of the decision facing lawmakers.

Key Takeaways

• Pompeo argues U.S. support for Ukraine aligns with 'America First' policy.
• Pompeo criticizes Biden admin's reluctance to strongly support Ukraine and Israel.
• Some GOP lawmakers oppose Ukraine aid, threatening to oust House Speaker McCarthy.
• Pompeo and Keane contend Ukraine aid is about rebuilding U.S. defense, not fighting.
• Debate over U.S. support for Ukraine exposes divisions within the Republican Party.