McConnell Criticizes Carlson for Opposing Ukraine Aid, Blames Trump for Delays

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell denounced conservative commentator Tucker Carlson for his opposition to U.S. aid for Ukraine, saying Carlson's large audience had convinced many Republicans that helping Ukraine was a mistake.

McConnell argued that Carlson's outspoken stance against U.S. support for Ukraine was one of the primary reasons why approving over $60 billion in emergency spending for the war-torn country took so long.

McConnell also held former President Donald Trump responsible for delaying congressional efforts to provide aid to Ukraine. Trump had demanded that any Ukraine aid bill also include border security reforms, which McConnell said stalled the process. The Senate Minority Leader cited Trump's "mixed views" on aid to Ukraine as another factor that hindered lawmakers from agreeing to continue funding the Ukrainian war effort.

Despite these challenges, the Senate voted 80-19 to advance a bipartisan bill allocating $95 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The package, which passed in the House over the weekend, includes $61 billion in military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine. It is expected to be passed by the Senate and signed into law by President Biden.

Why this matters: The fracture within the Republican Party over Ukraine aid highlights the party's internal divisions on foreign policy. As the war in Ukraine continues, U.S. support is seen as crucial for Ukraine to fend off Russia's invasion and avoid heavy casualties and further loss of territory.

McConnell rejected the "isolationist" worldview promoted by Carlson, who had conversed with Russian President Vladimir Putin in February. The Senate Minority Leader defended the aid package as a way to bolster America's global leadership and support American jobs. "Carlson ended up where he should have been all along when he gave Putin a megaphone during a fawning interview earlier this year," McConnell said. The package also includes a national security bill aimed at forcing the sale of the popular social media app TikTok by its Chinese parent company.

Key Takeaways

• McConnell blames Carlson, and Trump for delaying Ukraine aid approval in Congress.
• Senate voted 80-19 to advance a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
• McConnell rejects Carlson's "isolationist" views, and defence aid as boosting U.S. leadership.
• Carlson's interview with Putin earlier this year was criticized by McConnell.
• The aid package includes bill to force sale of TikTok by the Chinese parent company.