By Bernd Debusmann Jr

Some of Donald Trump’s most loyal supporters within the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement are expressing anger over his new proposal to provide weapons to Ukraine via NATO. They view the move as a betrayal of his longstanding promise to keep the U.S. out of foreign conflicts.

On Monday, President Trump announced plans to sell U.S.-made weapons to Ukraine through NATO channels, warning Russia that it has 50 days to reach a peace deal or face new economic tariffs. While the administration insists Europe will foot the bill for the weapons, the proposal has sparked immediate criticism from conservative figures.

Among the most vocal opponents are Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and former White House strategist Steve Bannon. Both argue that involvement in Ukraine contradicts the “America First” principles they campaigned on. “This is a European war,” Bannon said on his War Room podcast. “Let Europe handle it. We’re being dragged into a conflict that isn’t ours.”

Greene, who represents Georgia and has been a steadfast Trump ally, told the New York Times that the plan clashes with her campaign promises. “This isn’t just about Ukraine. It’s about ending all foreign wars and reducing foreign aid,” she said. “That’s what my district voted for.”

Although Trump emphasized that the weapons would be sold, not given as aid—“We’re not paying for it; we’re manufacturing it, and they’re buying it,” he said—Greene voiced doubts about the financial burden ultimately falling on American taxpayers. She cited NATO training programs and indirect support as hidden costs that still involve the U.S. government.

Posting on social media, Greene also criticized what she called “backdoor deals through NATO,” reaffirming her position: “I said at every rally—no more money to Ukraine. We want peace. That hasn’t changed.”

A former Trump campaign official told Politico, anonymously, that while Europe paying for the weapons “softens the blow,” many still see the decision as inconsistent with Trump’s isolationist message. “It’s not our war. Escalating things doesn’t serve America.”

Bannon echoed these concerns, warning that U.S. arms could end up in unpredictable hands. “This is a grinding, traditional war in the bloodlands of Europe,” he said. “And we’re handing weapons to people we don’t control.”

Despite the criticism, some in Trump’s circle defended the plan. Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly stated that MAGA supporters “aren’t panicking like the media,” adding that they trust Trump to achieve peace through strength.

An unnamed White House official also disputed claims of broad conservative opposition. Citing polling data, the official noted that nearly two-thirds of Trump voters reportedly support continued arms sales to Ukraine.

Elbridge Colby, Under Secretary of Defense, supported the president’s decision on social media, saying Trump’s approach to “fair and equitable alliances” was once considered radical, but now seems to be working—especially in light of NATO’s new pledge to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP.

Trump supporters have welcomed that commitment, arguing it reflects a shift in responsibility toward European nations, in line with the “America First” approach.

In an interview with the BBC following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump praised NATO’s increased contributions, stating the alliance is “paying its own bills.” He reiterated his commitment to NATO’s mutual defense principle and admitted feeling “disappointed but not done” with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump added that he had believed peace with Russia was possible on four separate occasions, but a lasting agreement has yet to materialize.