Members of Congress expressed starkly different opinions on the recent meeting between President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. Democrats largely sided with Zelenskyy, criticizing Trump and Vance for their approach. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused them of doing “Putin’s dirty work,” emphasizing that Senate Democrats remain committed to fighting for democracy.

Senator Elizabeth Warren condemned Trump for treating Ukraine’s plight as a mere political spectacle. She highlighted the gravity of the situation, calling it “shameful and dangerous.” Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi echoed these sentiments, stating that Trump’s behavior was a disservice to Ukraine and detrimental to America’s role in supporting democracy globally.

In contrast, Republicans praised Trump’s confrontational stance, arguing that Zelenskyy had exploited U.S. generosity for too long. Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt emphasized the need for leaders to prioritize American interests, asserting that taxpayers are stretched thin. Donald Trump Jr. echoed this sentiment, framing the interaction as a demonstration of strong leadership.

Overall, the encounter in the Oval Office has intensified the partisan divide, with Democrats expressing outrage and Republicans defending their leaders’ actions. The implications for U.S.-Ukraine relations and broader foreign policy remain a topic of heated debate.