Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Vows to Slash Military Budget by Half

Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent, has unveiled a bold vision for the future of U.S. foreign policy and defense spending. He has pledged to initiate substantial cuts to the military budget if elected, with the aim of redirecting funds towards the country's infrastructure, education, and healthcare systems. This proposed 50% reduction in military expenditures within the first four years of his presidency is a key component of Kennedy's platform, signaling a significant departure from the current approach to national defense. According to Kennedy, prioritizing domestic investment is essential for maintaining both the nation's strength and economic prosperity.

Redefining U.S. Foreign Policy

Addressing voters in Yorba Linda, Calif., Kennedy criticized the prevailing notion that American intervention abroad is synonymous with safeguarding democracy. Highlighting massive aid packages to countries like Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, he emphasized his intention to roll back defense spending to levels last witnessed during President Eisenhower's tenure. Kennedy pointed to Eisenhower's efforts to avert an arms race with Russia by substantially reducing defense expenditure, a move that, while successful in preventing major conflicts, did not halt the escalating tensions of the Cold War.

Expressing his reservations about the trajectory of U.S. foreign policy over the past few decades, Kennedy explicitly stated his opposition to increased military aid for Ukraine, while affirming his support for Israel. Characterizing the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a "war of choice" and the Israel-Hamas conflict as a "moral war," he attributed the rise of ISIS and the destabilization of Western democracies in Europe to the United States' military actions.

Embracing China's Approach

Drawing a parallel with China's global engagement, Kennedy advocated for a shift in strategic priorities, citing China's substantial investments in infrastructure and business ventures in regions like Africa and South America. By juxtaposing the U.S.'s expenditure on "forever wars" with China's focus on infrastructure development, Kennedy underscored the divergent outcomes of their respective approaches, positing that the U.S. had incurred enmity while China had cultivated influence and goodwill across the globe.

Kennedy staunchly rejected any U.S. involvement in Ukraine, including the provision of military aid. He openly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for issuing a decree that effectively prohibited negotiations with President Putin, aligning himself with Zelensky's detractors and echoing sentiments that cast doubt on Zelensky's commitment to dialogue.

View on Israel

While advocating for restraint in U.S. military intervention, Kennedy emerged as a steadfast supporter of Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas. The tragic events of October 7, 2023, prompted Kennedy to affirm Israel's prerogative to respond to the attack, diverging from the stance adopted by the U.S. and other western powers that had called for restraint.

However, Kennedy's running mate, Nicole Shanahan, expressed dissent on this matter, engaging in a nuanced discussion about Israel's response to the conflict with Hamas. Shanahan emphasized the dire situation in Gaza and raised compelling arguments for greater restraint in Israel's actions.

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Kennedy's proposed alterations to U.S. foreign policy and military spending have ignited robust debate and continued to provoke critical examination of long-standing conventions.