Vice President Kamala Harris faces a challenging task on Friday as she seeks to reassure US allies amid ongoing global conflicts and domestic political turmoil.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Harris will address key issues like aid for Ukraine and Israel, while also confronting concerns raised by former President Donald Trump’s recent statements.
Trump’s remarks over the weekend, where he suggested that Russia could do “whatever the hell they want” to NATO members who don’t meet defense spending guidelines, have sparked worry among US allies.
There are fears that if Trump were to be reelected, he might not uphold NATO’s collective-defense clause, which is crucial for the alliance’s strength and stability.
Kamala Harris (Credits: The Japan Times)
Meanwhile, the White House has been struggling to pass a national security supplemental request in Congress, which includes funding for Ukraine and Israel, among other priorities. The delay in passing this aid package has raised concerns about the US’s ability to support Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Against this backdrop, Harris is expected to emphasize the dangers of isolationism, authoritarianism, and unilateralism in foreign policy, contrasting sharply with Trump’s approach.
She will argue that such ideologies weaken America and could lead to global disorder, harming both the American people and the world.
President Joe Biden has also criticized Trump’s foreign policy stance, accusing him of “bowing down” to Vladimir Putin and sending a “dangerous and shocking” signal with his comments. Biden has reaffirmed America’s commitment to its allies, emphasizing that when America makes a commitment, it keeps it.
The White House has underscored the urgency of providing additional funds to Ukraine, framing it as a matter of national security.
Harris is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday, underscoring the administration’s support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.
In his remarks, Biden has sought to reassure allies of America’s commitment to NATO and its allies, stating that NATO is a “sacred commitment” and not a burden, as Trump had suggested. Biden has vowed to uphold US values and commitments, contrasting sharply with Trump’s approach to foreign policy.
Overall, Harris’s speech at the Munich Security Conference will be closely watched as a signal of America’s foreign policy direction under the Biden administration, particularly in light of ongoing global challenges and the specter of Trump’s potential return to office.
