Donald Trump faces backlash from Republicans after 'disrespectful' Zelensky meeting

Donald Trump's attempt to intimidate Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House has come under fire from his own party members. The US president labelled Zelensky "disrespectful" and accused him of "gambling with WW3" during a heated exchange in the Oval Office last Friday.

What was supposed to be a meeting to foster peace in Ukraine ended with Zelensky being escorted out after a tense 45-minute session, which deteriorated into a sharp dispute involving Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Zelensky. The Ukrainian leader had expressed doubts about Russia's dedication to diplomacy, pointing to Moscow's history of unfulfilled promises.

The Trump administration's stance marks a stark contrast to the support Zelensky received under former President Joe Biden. Not all Republicans are on board with Trump's tactics.

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, known for her moderate views and past disagreements with Trump, expressed her dismay on X: "I am sick to my stomach as the administration appears to be walking away from our allies and embracing Putin."

Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon also voiced his concerns: "A bad day for America's foreign policy. Ukraine wants independence, free markets and rule of law. It wants to be part of the West. Russia hates us and our Western values. We should be clear that we stand for freedom," reports the Mirror.

Fellow Republican Brian Fitzpatrick, from Pennsylvania, remarked: "It was heartbreaking to witness the turn of events that transpired in today's meeting regarding Ukraine's future. It is time to put understandable emotions aside and come back to the negotiation table."

In agreement, Mike Lawler of New York stated: "Diplomacy is tough and often times there are serious differences of opinion and heated exchanges behind closed doors. Having this spill out into public view was a disaster - especially for Ukraine."

But not all were critical; some Republicans stood firm behind Trump. Amidst GOP congressional members, support for Ukraine has diminished since Russia's invasion three years ago, with prominent Republicans believing a mineral deal could renew American backing for Kyiv.

Nonetheless, the confrontation at the White House shattered that hope.

Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a prior advocate for Ukrainian aid, labelled the meeting a "complete, utter disaster" and expressed unprecedented pride in Trump: "What I saw in the Oval office was disrespectful and I don't know if we can ever do business with Zelensky again."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also supported Trump, commending him: "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 of Louisiana commended Trump, with a caveat about the conflict being "provoked" by Russia. He asserted: "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."

Democrats weren't so kind with their words following Trump's rendezvous with Zelensky. Senate Democrat leader Chuck Schumer out of New York criticized: "Trump and Vance are doing Putin's dirty work. Senate Democrats will never stop fighting for freedom and democracy."

Adding to the disapproval, House Democrat leader Hakeem Jeffries, also from New York, commented: "Today's White House meeting with the President of Ukraine was appalling and will only serve to further embolden Vladimir Putin, a brutal dictator. The United States must not reward Russian aggression and continue to appease Putin."

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