Geopolitics
Trump/conservatives are weak on Russia, pro-Putin.
Conservative Response:
America First avoids endless Ukraine aid ($200B+ drained U.S.); focus on China threat.
Anticipated Liberal Rebuttal:
Abandoning allies invites aggression.
Conservative Counter-Rebuttal:
Peace through strength: Trump sanctioned Russia more than Biden; aid prolongs war without victory.
Sources: https://www.stimson.org/2025/testing-assumptions-about-us-foreign-policy-in-2025
Isolationism hurts Israel.
Conservative Response:
Trump moved embassy to Jerusalem, brokered Abraham Accords; liberals waver on Hamas.
Anticipated Liberal Rebuttal:
Two-state solution needed.
Conservative Counter-Rebuttal:
Accords brought peace without concessions; America First supports strong allies, not weak deals.
Sources: https://securityconference.org/en/publications/munich-security-report-2025/united-states
Withdrawing from NATO weakens global security.
Conservative Response:
NATO allies underpay (only 11 met 2% in 2024); U.S. shouldn't subsidize Europe.
Anticipated Liberal Rebuttal:
Collective defense deters Russia.
Conservative Counter-Rebuttal:
Trump pushed spending increases; fair burden-sharing strengthens, not weakens, alliances.
Sources: https://www.cfr.org/articles/unpacking-trump-twist-national-security-strategy
Tariffs on China hurt U.S. economy.
Conservative Response:
Protected jobs, reduced trade deficit by $100B; liberals ignore IP theft.
Anticipated Liberal Rebuttal:
Raises consumer prices.
Conservative Counter-Rebuttal:
Short-term costs for long-term security; reshoring manufacturing boosts GDP per RAND.