Exclusive: A hero and a coward’: US lawmakers slam Trump over heated White House clash with Zelenskyy….. Check In

Senators, representatives condemn president’s treatment of Ukrainian leader at White House

US lawmakers condemned President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance following a tense White House exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday.

The extraordinary confrontation over the war with Russia, which lasted around 10 minutes, saw Trump and Vance accuse Zelenskyy of ingratitude, while Zelenskyy defended Ukraine’s war effort and its global significance.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, accused Trump and Vance of serving Russian interests. “Trump and Vance are doing (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s dirty work. Senate Democrats will never stop fighting for freedom and democracy,” he said.

Julie Johnson, congresswoman for Texas, said: “Trump and Vance stand with Putin and authoritarianism.”

Senator Adam Schiff of California compared the two leaders, saying: “A hero and a coward are meeting in the Oval Office today. When the meeting is over, the hero will return home to Ukraine.”

Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont criticized Trump for undermining an ally. “Trump berates Zelenskyy, the leader of a democratic country courageously fighting Russian imperialism, while he allies himself with Putin, a dictator who started the bloodiest European war in 80 years,” he said.

“It is horrifying and stunning to see this administration is standing with dictators,” wrote congresswoman Pramila Jayapal.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also criticized Trump, saying he is “embarrassing” US on the “world stage.”

Representative Herb Conaway from New Jersey called Trump and Vance “Putin’s lapdogs,” labeling their actions “shameful.” Representative Don Beyer echoed this sentiment and said: “A shameful moment in our history.”

Northern Virginia Representative Gerry Connolly said he is “disgusted,” and labeled the tension “embarrassing, pathetic, and shameful display.”

California Representative Robert Garcia described the incident as a “total disgrace,” denouncing Trump’s attacks on Ukraine and Zelenskyy.

Betrayal of our allies’

Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada voiced horror at Trump’s treatment of Zelenskyy: “President Zelenskyy is fighting for freedom and democracy against a brutal dictator. I’m horrified to see how Trump and Vance treated him in the Oval Office. The US stands with Ukraine.”

Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland called the clash a “betrayal of our allies,” adding: “What we saw in the Oval Office today was an embarrassment for America. They’re popping champagne in the Kremlin.”

Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy sad it a “sad scene,” labeled the situation “utter embarrassment for America.”

Massachusetts Representative Richard Neal said he was “appalled” by Trump administration’s “stark departure from” US’s “longstanding support of democratic nations.”

Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota defended Zelenskyy, emphasizing his gratitude in oppose to Vance’s claims. “Zelenskyy 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,” she said.

Representative Gwen Moore of Wisconsin labeled the encounter a “revolting spectacle,” while Delaware Senator Chris Coons said: “We owe Zelenskyy our thanks for leading a nation fighting on the front lines of democracy – not the public berating he received at the White House.”

Representatives Greg Stanton of Arizona and Becca Balint of Vermont warned the incident played into Putin’s hands. Balint said: “I stand with all who believe in freedom and democracy. I’m disgusted by our president bending a knee to Putin.”

Zelenskyy left the White House early following the confrontation, without signing a critical minerals deal between Ukraine and US.​​​​​​​