The Republican National Convention focuses on foreign policy

MILWAUKEE – Republicans criticized President Joe Biden’s foreign policy record at their national convention in Milwaukee, as many party stalwarts called for America to withdraw from its global contributions.

Wednesday’s agenda and its theme of “Make America Strong Once Again” will give leaders around the world insight into the potential impact of a second Donald Trump presidency.

“No NATO. I want a strong America,” said Kimberly Nguyen, wearing a star-studded dress and draped with a Trump 2024 flag outside the convention.

Trump, who was formally confirmed as the Republican presidential nominee on Monday, has mused about raising tariffs, criticized aid to Ukraine and repeatedly said he would not defend NATO members who fail to meet defense spending targets, including Canada is one.

During a summit of NATO leaders in Washington last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged to meet the spending target, which is the equivalent of two percent of gross domestic product, by 2032.

However, he has been criticized for the long timeline and lack of detail on how Ottawa will achieve this.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who is leading the polls, would not commit to the alliance’s spending target, saying he does not make promises he cannot keep.

Trudeau faced a push from provincial leaders to speed up spending time during a meeting of premiers in Halifax early Wednesday.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew expressed concern that missing the target could jeopardize Canada’s trade relationship with the US, particularly if there is a change in administration.

Outside the Republican convention, there was little empathy for the delay in Canada’s defense spending. Trump supporter Amy Lee said she supports the defensive alliance, but members must fulfill their commitments.

“Trudeau, we need you to pay your fair share to NATO,” Lee said.

All member countries contribute directly to the alliance’s operations through an agreed formula, with Canada paying its required share.

Canada is one of about ten members that do not meet the two percent of GDP threshold for defense spending, although only seven members, including the US, spend more than Canada in real dollars.

Top diplomats from around the world are at the convention to make inroads ahead of a possible second Trump presidency and push Republicans away from some of the former president’s commitments on defense alliances and trade.

Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to the US, said some Republicans have an isolationist bent. Many others, she said, understand that “America cannot be strong without strong alliances.”

“There is no single voice on foreign policy as it relates to a number of issues right now in the Republican Party,” Hillman said in Milwaukee.

Trump is not officially scheduled to speak at the convention until Thursday, but he appeared every night of the convention with his right ear covered in a white bandage after being pierced by a bullet when a man with an assault rifle fired from a nearby roof. a rally on Saturday afternoon.

One rally participant was killed and two others were seriously injured before the gunman was shot dead by a member of the Secret Service.

Wednesday was Trump’s running mate JD Vance’s first opportunity to introduce himself to the world, and he used the time to praise the former president, criticize Biden’s foreign policy and highlight how disagreements can make the Republican Party more strong.

“We will ensure that our allies share the burden of ensuring world peace. No more free rides for nations that betray the generosity of the American taxpayer,” Vance said.

The 39-year-old Ohio senator has built a reputation during his short time in politics for fighting against current US foreign policy and aid to Ukraine.

Vance argued against further funding the war-torn country in a New York Times column in April and told the Munich Security Conference earlier this year that he was there to issue a “warning” that America’s interests must be first place. .

Trudeau has been one of the most outspoken NATO leaders in support of Ukraine, including at last week’s leaders’ summit.

Vans with side screens drove around the convention entrances on Wednesday, displaying appeals to Republicans to stand with Ukraine.

The US Congressional Ukrainian Committee, which funded the mobile messaging, said it was intended to remind Republicans that standing with Ukraine helps defeat America’s enemies.

Hillman said Vance has some views on international and domestic politics that don’t align with “Canadian values ​​in some circumstances and certainly our government policy in others.”

But, she said, Vance represents Ohio, which has a massive trade relationship with Canada. More than a third of the state’s exports go to Canada.

“Having someone who understands the importance of the Canada-US economic relationship is a good thing for Canada.”

The vice-presidential pick also has a Canadian connection: Jamil Jivani, the recently elected Conservative MP for Durham, called Vance his best friend at Yale.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 17, 2024.

— With files from The Associated Press and Lyndsay Armstrong in Halifax

Kelly Geraldine Malone, Canadian Press