Missouri Senator Josh Hawley wrote in an op-ed that he does not believe the US should support Sweden and Finland joining NATO, becoming the first senator to announce his opposition to the alliance. Writing for the National Interest, Hawley said that “America’s greatest foreign adversary is nowhere to be seen above Europe.” “It’s happening in Asia. I’m talking about the People’s Republic of China, of course,” Hawley wrote. “And when it comes to Chinese imperialism, the American people should know the truth: the United States is not ready to stand up to it. Expanding American security commitments to Europe now would only make that problem worse—and the America less safe.” The two Nordic countries have tried to join the alliance since the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine – efforts that have angered President Vladimir Putin. In July, 18 Republican House lawmakers voted against approving a measure supporting the alliance — a sign of the continuing pro-Russian shift to the right of the party sparked by Donald Trump. The opposition included some of the most far-right members of the GOP, including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Matt Gaetz of Florida and Lauren Boebert of Colorado. “The Senate will soon vote to add Sweden and Finland to NATO,” Hawley wrote. “Under the terms of NATO’s founding treaty, that means the United States would be obligated to defend both countries in the event of military attack. I intend to vote no,” he said, repeating the threat of “Chinese imperialism” throughout the duration . A Senate vote to support the alliance could come as early as next week, according to The Hill.
