'Disgraceful' -- Trump-Zelensky row sparks US political firestorm / Photo: © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
'Disgraceful' -- Trump-Zelensky row sparks US political firestorm
Democrats accused US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance of doing Russian leader Vladimir Putin's "dirty work" Friday after they berated Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky to his face in front of the world's media.
There was support from Republicans, however, who said Trump and his vice president were right to accuse pro-Western Zelensky of lacking gratitude for American support in Ukraine's defense against Russia's invasion.
Here is a selection of notable political reaction from an extraordinarily tense White House meeting.
- Democrats -
"What we saw in the Oval Office today was beyond disgraceful. Trump and Vance berating Zelenskyy — putting on a show of lies and misinformation that would make Putin blush — is an embarrassment for America and a betrayal of our allies. They're popping champagne in the Kremlin."
- Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen
"Trump and Vance are doing Putin's dirty work. Senate Democrats will never stop fighting for freedom and democracy."
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer
"A hero and a coward are meeting in the Oval Office today. And when the meeting is over, the hero will return home to Ukraine."
- California Senator Adam Schiff
"Trump and Vance's behavior is disgraceful and dangerous. They're helping our enemies, hurting our friends, and weakening our security.... A shameful moment in our history."
- Virginia Congressman Don Beyer
"This is a disgrace."
- Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego
- Republicans -
"Zelenskyy could have left the White House today with a peace deal for his country, ending this conflict. Instead, he chose to disrespect our President and nation. Thank you, President Trump and Vice President Vance, for standing up for our country!"
- Tennessee Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger
"Ridiculous grandstanding by Zelensky in the Oval Office. The United States has spent hundreds of billions of dollars to defend Ukraine. And this is the thanks the American people get? It's time to end this war."
- Florida Congressman Greg Steube
"America First in action. Thank you, @realDonaldTrump and @JDVance for prioritizing our people first and for promoting peace!"
- Texas Congressman Brandon Gill
"TOUGH and FAIR. The world is witnessing American leadership back in the White House."
- Texas Congressman Keith Self
S.Lee--TNT
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