Republicans Praise Trump and Vance Amid Oval Office Clash with Zelenskyy

Republican lawmakers on Friday almost unanimously lauded President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance after a heated exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy unfolded live in the Oval Office. Immediately following the encounter, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina expressed his thoughts to reporters gathered on the White House driveway, predicting that this contentious episode could halt U.S. backing for Zelenskyy. He labeled the encounter a “complete, utter disaster.” Graham, who chairs the Senate Budget Committee, stated, “When asked if I’m embarrassed by Trump, my answer is a firm no. I’ve never been prouder. JD Vance stood firm for our nation. What transpired in the Oval Office was pure disrespect, and it casts doubt on our future dealings with Zelenskyy.” He further suggested Zelenskyy might consider stepping down, “He either must resign and appoint someone we can engage with, or he must change his approach.”

Meanwhile, Democrats expressed shock at the unusual and jarring diplomatic display. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump and Vance of playing into Russian President Vladimir Putin’s hands, asserting that “Senate Democrats remain steadfast in the fight for freedom and democracy.” Democratic Representative Chris Van Hollen from Maryland described the scene in the Oval Office as “beyond disgraceful,” stating on X, “The beratement from Trump and Vance towards Zelenskyy was a showcase of deceit and misinformation that would make Putin proud—an embarrassment to our nation and a betrayal of our allies.”