Republicans are extremely displeased with the actions and attitude of Ukrainian President Volodymy Zelenskyy after the leader’s recent trip to both Pennsylvania and the U.S. Capitol to address Congress.
Zelenskyy, flown over to the U.S. courtesy of your taxpayer dollars on an Air Force C-17, accompanied Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to a weapons plant where both of them signed missiles that are destined for Ukraine to use to defend itself against an invading Russia. It was an extraordinary sight for a foreign president who is prosecuting a war and who came to the U.S. looking for money to join a state Governor for what seemed like a jocular event more like a sports outing.
And then Zelenskyy got even bolder, criticizing Ohio Senator JD Vance, the Republican running mate for vice president on Donald Trump’s ticket, calling him “too radical” to be U.S. president. It is highly unusual—nearly unheard of—for foreign leaders seeking U.S. aid to insert themselves in America’s domestic politics.
Even among Republicans who support the U.S. stance toward aid for Ukraine are put out by what seems like an entitled and cavalier attitude from Zelenskyy. They said he made a big misstep visiting the armaments plant in Scranton and by giving his opinion on what the outcome of the presidential election should be.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), called the trip a campaign event for the Democrats. Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn called Zelenskyy’s actions an “unforced error” and that he needs to be careful “not to make that mistake again.” Though Cornyn said that this one incident would not change his view about supporting Ukraine, he was clearly signaling to Zelenskyy not to bite the hand that he is asking to feed him.
Indeed, Zelenskyy cannot afford to anger Republicans, as any continued aid in the form of money or artillery will need their votes, too.
Not every displeased Republican is being a firebrand about it. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) is chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. He also said Zelenskyy’s actions were “not helpful,” but that lawmakers did not spend much time talking about it during September 26 meetings.
But he did warn that it was “never smart” to involve one’s self in the internal politics of another country. “My advice to anybody would be to stay out of American politics,” Cole said.
Republican James Comer (R-Ky.), chairman of the House Oversight Committee, has opened an investigation into Zelenskyy’s recent U.S. trip.
