A group of Democrats who met with President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed shock and disappointment over the recent meeting in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump. The meeting reportedly devolved into a heated exchange, prompting criticism from top Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations and Senate Armed Services Committees.
Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii described the initial meeting as respectful and cordial, but expressed concern over Trump's actions, stating, 'This is about the American presidency going off the rails and taking the side of the bad guys.' Schatz raised doubts about whether the President shares American values.
Senator Chris Coons of Delaware emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, noting that President Zelensky and the Ukrainian fighters deserve gratitude for standing up against aggression. Coons expressed disappointment over the outcome of the meeting, stating that he was 'heartsick' to see it go poorly.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, condemned Trump's behavior during the meeting as 'disgraceful and downright un-American.' She criticized the handling of the meeting by Trump and his team.
Senator Jack Reed, the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, labeled the meeting as a 'political ambush' and a 'shameful failure of American leadership.' Reed expressed concerns about the message being sent to the world, suggesting that the United States' credibility may be at stake.
The Democrats' reactions highlight the deep divisions and concerns within the political landscape regarding the handling of foreign relations by the current administration. The fallout from the meeting with President Zelensky underscores the challenges faced in maintaining diplomatic relationships and upholding American values on the global stage.
