US increasingly polarized on Ukraine support as Trump’s “America First” deepens party division  

AI

**Growing Divide in US Over Military Aid to Ukraine**

A recent poll by the Wall Street Journal has revealed a significant divide among American voters on the issue of sending military aid to Ukraine. The survey, conducted from March 27 to April 1, found that while 83% of Democratic voters support continued US financial aid to Ukraine, 79% of Republican voters are opposed.

The numbers show a stark contrast between the two major parties in the US, with Democrats becoming increasingly supportive of increasing aid to Kyiv over the past year. In contrast, Republican sentiment has shifted in the opposite direction, with many saying that the US is already doing too much to help Ukraine.

**Republican Skepticism on Global Engagement**

The poll also highlighted a broader disagreement among voters over America’s global role. A significant majority of Republican respondents (81%) believe that US allies are not doing enough to defend themselves and that Washington should stop spending taxpayer money to protect them. This sentiment reflects years of growing skepticism towards global engagement, particularly since the “America First” doctrine was promoted by President Donald Trump.

Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO allies for low defense spending and questioned the value of US security commitments abroad. He has called on NATO to increase its military spending benchmark from 2% to 5% of GDP.

**Shift in Republican Attitudes**

The poll’s findings suggest a significant shift in attitudes among Republicans towards global engagement, with many embracing an inward-focused foreign policy platform. Trump’s stance on the issue, as reflected in his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in February, underscores this trend.

Trump said that security guarantees for Ukraine should be Europe’s responsibility and cast himself as a neutral figure in the war, offering to mediate between Kyiv and Moscow. This approach is at odds with traditional American leadership in global affairs and reflects a growing divide within the US over its role on the world stage.

**Analysis**

The Wall Street Journal poll highlights a significant gap in public opinion on issues related to Ukraine and global engagement. The findings suggest that Republican voters are increasingly skeptical of international alliances and the value of US security commitments abroad, reflecting years of growing skepticism towards global engagement promoted by President Trump.

This shift in attitudes has implications for American foreign policy and the country’s relationships with its allies around the world. As the US continues to grapple with its role on the global stage, the divide between Democratic and Republican voters on this issue is likely to become increasingly pronounced.

**Read More**

To learn more about the poll findings and their implications for American foreign policy, please visit [kyivindependent.com](http://kyivindependent.com).

Share This Article
Leave a Comment