RFK Jr. shares his opinions on foreign policy, promises to cut military spending in half.
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made a bold promise on Wednesday – if elected president, he plans to cut the military budget by 50%. “I will push for a 50% reduction in military expenditures in my first four years in office, with more cuts to come thereafter,” Kennedy announced. He believes that redirecting funds from the bloated military budget towards infrastructure, education, healthcare, and small businesses will strengthen the economy and the country as a whole. The statement was made in front of voters in Yorba Linda, Calif., a day before President Biden signed a security agreement with Ukraine.
Kennedy criticized U.S. foreign policy, labeling it as based on the “delusion” that American intervention abroad can protect democracy. He pointed out the billion-dollar aid packages sent to countries like Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, stating his goal to reduce defense spending levels to those last seen under President Eisenhower’s administration. President Eisenhower, following Joseph Stalin’s death in 1953, advocated for cutting defense spending to avoid an arms war with Russia. Although he was successful in avoiding major conflicts, the Cold War intensified during his term.
Kennedy further blamed the U.S. for escalating overseas conflicts in recent decades. He specifically opposed military aid for Ukraine but expressed support for Israel, describing the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a “war of choice” and the Israel-Hamas conflict as a “moral war.” He claimed that the U.S. played a role in the rise of ISIS and the destabilization of European democracies due to mass immigration caused by conflicts in the Middle East.
In a surprising turn, Kennedy suggested learning from China’s approach to global influence. He praised China for investing trillions in infrastructure development worldwide, contrasting it with the U.S.’s heavy military involvement that led to global animosity and domestic financial strains. Kennedy sees China’s strategy as effective in building international relationships and influence.
Regarding Ukraine, Kennedy firmly rejects any U.S. involvement or military aid to the country. He criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for banning negotiations with President Putin after Russian annexations in 2022. Kennedy has even gone as far as praising Putin for a perceived willingness to seek peace over conflict in Crimea. His stance sharply contrasts with President Biden, who equated Putin’s actions to Hitler’s invasive Nazi forces.
On the issue of Israel, Kennedy stands firmly in support of the country’s right to defend itself against groups like Hamas. Despite calls for restraint from western powers, Kennedy believes that a cease-fire would only allow Hamas to rearm and continue attacks. His running mate, Nicole Shanahan, disagrees with this stance, advocating for more restraint and criticizing the devastating impact of the conflict on Gaza.
The standoff between Kennedy’s bold proposals and traditional U.S. foreign policies highlights the growing divide within the political landscape. As the 2024 elections draw near, Kennedy’s unconventional strategies and viewpoints are likely to provoke further debates and discussions on America’s role in the world.
