Abdelrahman
Democratic representatives quickly rallied to support Volodymyr Zelenskyy after the Ukrainian president faced harsh criticism from Donald Trump during a contentious meeting at the White House.
In this meeting, Trump accused Zelenskyy of “risking World War III,” while Vice President JD Vance labeled the Ukrainian leader as “disrespectful,” ultimately derailing talks that were intended to initiate negotiations for ending Kyiv’s prolonged conflict with Russia.
Zelenskyy departed the White House abruptly without finalizing a significant agreement on critical minerals that Trump claimed was an essential step towards a proposed ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
In response, several Democratic senators condemned the treatment that Zelenskyy received, labeling Trump and Vance’s actions as “shameful” and “disgraceful.”
“In every meeting with President Zelenskyy, he has expressed gratitude to the American people for our unwavering support,” stated Chris Coons, a Democratic senator from Delaware, in a post on X. “We should be thanking him for his leadership in defending democracy—not publicly scolding him at the White House.”
California Senator Adam Schiff remarked, “Today, a hero and a coward met in the Oval Office. By the end of this meeting, the hero will return to Ukraine.”
Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut echoed, “This is a complete embarrassment for our nation. Such a disheartening display.” Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego added, saying, “This is truly disgraceful.”
Maryland’s Senator Chris Van Hollen described the encounter in the Oval Office as “beyond disgraceful.” Illinois Senator Dick Durbin emphasized, “The Ukrainian people and President Zelenskyy are owed an apology.”
Durbin expressed frustration, stating, “Trump and Vance’s disparagement of Zelenskyy—essentially promoting misinformation that would make Putin proud—is an embarrassment for America and a betrayal of our allies. They are giving the Kremlin reason to celebrate.”
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer stated after the tumultuous meeting that Trump and Vance “are doing Putin’s bidding,” affirming that his party will tirelessly advocate for freedom and democracy.
Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse also criticized Trump and Vance for “acting like puppets for Putin.”
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Whitehouse was part of a bipartisan group of senators who engaged with Zelenskyy earlier that day before his encounter with Trump. Democrat Senator Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota noted that the hour-long discussion reflected “strong bipartisan backing in the Senate for Ukraine’s sovereignty and democracy.”
Klobuchar later called out Vance in a social media post, pointing out that Zelenskyy had repeatedly expressed gratitude to the US, both privately and in public.
“Our nation offers our thanks to HIM and the Ukrainian heroes who resist a dictator, mourn their own losses, and prevent Putin from advancing further into Europe,” she stated. “Shame on you,” she concluded, addressing Vance directly.
Minnesota Senator Tina Smith also urged her Republican peers to “speak out” in the name of “patriotism.” “In the past, we confronted tyrants. Nowadays, Trump and Vance are bending to America’s adversaries,” she asserted.
Conversely, Republican senators were quick to defend Trump, asserting that the president’s dialogue with Zelenskyy showcased his commitment to “putting America first.”
Utah Senator Mike Lee expressed gratitude to Trump and Vance “for defending our nation and prioritizing America’s interests.” Indiana Senator Jim Banks echoed these sentiments, praising Trump for “advocating for America.”
“[Zelenskyy] ungratefully expects us to fund and escalate another endless war while disrespecting the President,” Banks remarked on X. “Such entitlement is offensive to working Americans.”
