WASHINGTON — Although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has generally enjoyed bipartisan support from U.S. lawmakers, a recent conflict with President Donald Trump is putting that backing in jeopardy.
Zelensky’s trip to Washington was intended to finalize a deal granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources, coinciding with Trump’s efforts to pressure Ukraine into agreeing to a peace settlement with Russia. Despite waning Republican support for Ukraine since the Russian invasion three years ago, some key Republicans hoped the deal would bolster American backing for Kyiv.
However, a tense exchange in the Oval Office involving Trump, Zelensky, and Vice President J.D. Vance has led to criticism of Zelensky, even from Republicans who previously supported Ukraine. Meanwhile, GOP lawmakers who have long opposed U.S. aid to Ukraine are praising Trump for his reprimand of the Ukrainian leader. Democrats view the incident as further evidence that Trump is siding with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Here’s a compilation of reactions from members of Congress as Ukraine’s future hangs in the balance:
Republicans who have supported Ukraine in the past
SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM, South Carolina
Graham described the meeting as “a complete, utter disaster” and expressed immense pride in Trump.
“The Oval Office encounter was disrespectful, and I’m unsure if we can ever engage with Zelensky again.”
SECRETARY OF STATE MARCO RUBIO
“Thank you @POTUS for standing up for America in a way that no President has ever had the courage to do before. Thank you for putting America First. America is with you!”
HOUSE SPEAKER MIKE JOHNSON, Louisiana
“The death and destruction of the Russian-provoked war needs to stop immediately, and only our American President can put these two countries on a path to lasting peace. President Zelensky needed to acknowledge that, and accept the extraordinary mineral rights partnership proposal that President Trump put on the table. What we witnessed in the Oval Office today was an American President putting America first.”
REP. DON BACON, Nebraska
“This is a setback for U.S. foreign policy. Ukraine seeks independence, free markets, and the rule of law and wants to align with the West. Russia despises us and our Western ideals. We must clearly demonstrate our commitment to freedom.”
REP. MIKE LAWLER, New York
“Diplomacy is challenging, often involving significant disagreements and heated discussions behind closed doors. The public exposure of this situation is a disaster, particularly for Ukraine.”
REP. BRIAN FITZPATRICK, Pennsylvania
“Witnessing the events that unfolded during today’s meeting regarding Ukraine’s future was disheartening. It’s time to set aside understandable emotions and return to the negotiating table.”
Republicans who are opposed to Ukraine aid
SEN. JOSH HAWLEY, Missouri
“Let’s remember that the U.S. Senate has consistently allocated BILLIONS of taxpayer dollars to Ukraine for years without any conditions or real oversight. It’s time for ACCOUNTABILITY.”
SEN. MIKE LEE, Utah
“Thank you for standing up for OUR COUNTRY and putting America first, President Trump and Vice President Vance!”
SEN. ROGER MARSHALL, Kansas
“Not another penny.”
REP. ANDY BIGGS, Arizona
“Dictator Zelensky had the audacity to disrespect President @realDonaldTrump and VP @JDVance during what should have been a friendly meeting, and @POTUS rightfully showed him the door. This is the leadership America has craved for four years.”
Democrats, who as a party overwhelmingly support Ukraine
SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADER CHUCK SCHUMER, New York
“Trump and Vance are carrying out Putin’s agenda. Senate Democrats will relentlessly advocate for freedom and democracy.”
HOUSE DEMOCRATIC LEADER HAKEEM JEFFRIES, New York
“Today’s White House meeting with the President of Ukraine was unacceptable and will only embolden Vladimir Putin, a ruthless dictator. The United States must not condone Russian aggression or continue to appease Putin.”
SEN. RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, Connecticut
“I sincerely hope that discussions can resume and that this incident doesn’t undermine ongoing support.”
“I am optimistic that the strong bipartisan coalition we have in Congress will persuade the administration and others that it is in our long-term national security interest for Ukraine to prevail over Putin’s blatant aggression.”
SEN. AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota
“Answer to Vance: Zelensky has thanked our country over and over again both privately and publicly. And our country thanks HIM and the Ukrainian patriots who have stood up to a dictator, buried their own & stopped Putin from marching right into the rest of Europe. Shame on you.”
SEN. CHRIS MURPHY, Connecticut
“It was a calculated set-up intended to humiliate President Zelensky to the benefit of Vladimir Putin. It was a disgrace and an abomination. What you witnessed was the erosion of American influence globally as President Trump willingly serves as a puppet for a brutal dictator in Moscow.”
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