Senator Ben Cardin, the retiring senior senator from Maryland, recently reflected on his nearly two decades in the U.S. Senate during a briefing with reporters. As he prepares to hand over his role as the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Cardin expressed significant concerns about the direction of foreign policy under the incoming Trump administration.
As Republicans take control of the Senate in January, Cardin’s departure signals a shift in leadership. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire, will assume the role of Ranking Member of the influential committee.
Cardin’s term as Chairman began in September 2023 after Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey faced federal charges related to bribery. In this farewell session, Cardin shared his mixed emotions about his time in office and expressed his concerns about the global implications of Trump’s policies.
Ben Cardin’s Concerns Over Trump’s Foreign Policy
Cardin, known for his unwavering support of democratic values, emphasised that although he holds hope for democracy both in the United States and globally, he has serious reservations about the future of foreign policy under President-elect Donald Trump.
“The risk could not be higher,” Cardin warned, particularly with the growing informal alliance between China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. He indicated that a potential shift in U.S. policy could embolden these countries and destabilise global security.
When asked to sum up the past four years, Cardin expressed pride in the Biden administration’s commitment to defending democratic institutions, but noted the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s foreign approach.
“We have to ask ourselves—what’s the future of democracy under a Trump-led administration?” Cardin said, noting that some international relations, particularly with autocratic regimes, could pose significant challenges.
The Trump Administration and Ukraine: What’s at Stake?
Cardin raised particular concerns about Trump’s promises regarding the war in Ukraine. On the campaign trail, Trump promised to end Russia’s war against Ukraine within 24 hours. Cardin was quick to dismiss that claim.
“There will not be peace in Ukraine within 24 hours,” Cardin said bluntly. “We want peace, but if Russia wins, that won’t end the war. It will only embolden them to expand further.”
He reiterated that Russia’s aggression must be met with firm opposition, and any peace negotiations should preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
With Russia’s continued invasion of Ukraine since February 2022, the stakes are higher than ever. Cardin remains a staunch advocate for continued U.S. support for Ukraine, including military and financial assistance, warning that a shift in policy could undermine U.S. credibility and further fuel Russian aggression.
“I hope my Republican colleagues won’t allow such cuts to aid,” he added, recognising that Republicans are split on the issue. Many Republicans have expressed opposition to continued monetary aid and military support for Ukraine.
Despite the vocal opposition from figures like Senator J.D. Vance, Cardin remains confident that there is enough bipartisan support in Congress to ensure continued U.S. backing for Ukraine.
Cardin’s Strong Support for Israel
A prominent supporter of Israel, Cardin also spoke about the U.S.-Israel relationship amid rising tensions in the Middle East. He acknowledged the frustration within the international community, particularly over the ongoing violence in Gaza.
However, Cardin firmly believes that the United States must stand by Israel as a key partner in the region.
“Israel is a reliable partner in security, intelligence sharing, and economic cooperation. The U.S. must support Israel’s right to defend itself,” Cardin affirmed.
At the same time, Cardin acknowledged that there can be differences with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly over policy approaches towards Palestine.
“I believe in supporting Israel, but also recognising the complexities of the situation. There’s always room for constructive dialogue,” he said.
The Challenges of a U.S.-Led Ceasefire in Gaza
Cardin’s remarks on the possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza were guarded. Following discussions on a potential ceasefire deal, Cardin expressed his doubts.
“I hope Netanyahu is sincere, but after so many failed attempts, I’m cautious. We’ve heard about potential ceasefires before, and it hasn’t materialised,” Cardin said.
The U.S. administration has been in discussions about brokering a ceasefire deal in Gaza, but with ongoing tensions and violence, Cardin’s pessimism about the situation is rooted in frustration over past failed negotiations.
Cardin’s Legacy and the Future of U.S. Foreign Policy
As Cardin prepares to step down from Senate leadership, he reflected on his lengthy public service career. Having served in the U.S. Senate since 2007, and with a long tenure in Maryland’s House of Delegates, Cardin is proud of the work he’s accomplished. However, he expressed concerns about the future of American democracy and foreign relations.
“I’ve had the privilege of advocating for human rights, environmental protection, and democracy around the world. There’s still much more to be done, but I’m optimistic about the progress that’s been made,” he said.
While his future remains uncertain, Cardin made it clear that he plans to continue his efforts to advance human rights and work on environmental issues in his home state of Maryland. He’s particularly passionate about the Chesapeake Bay and other environmental issues.
What’s Next for Ben Cardin?
As Cardin steps away from his leadership role, the question remains: what’s next for this seasoned politician?
“I’m not sure yet,” Cardin said. “But I’ve had a lifetime of service, and I’m proud of my record. I plan to stay involved in advocating for human rights and environmental sustainability.”
Cardin’s contributions to foreign policy and his leadership in defending democratic institutions will continue to influence the Senate and U.S. foreign policy for years to come.
Relevant Links for Further Reading
- Ben Cardin on the U.S.-Israel Relationship
- Cardin’s Legacy in Maryland
- U.S. Foreign Policy and Trump’s Impact
- Support for Ukraine: What’s at Stake
Photo credit: The Hill
