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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived at the White House on Friday to talk about finding peace between his country and Russia, who invaded Ukraine three years ago.
Under President Joe Biden, the United States had sent about $174 billion in American taxpayer dollars to fund the Ukrainian side in this war, one that many increasingly believe is unwinnable. Donald Trump vowed to end this spending and bring about a diplomatic end to the war.
Trump had already spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin. On Friday, Zelensky sat down in the Oval Office with the President and Vice President, JD Vance.
The conversation was cordial for about 40 minutes. But then Zelensky suggested that the U.S. needed to send Ukraine more money, possibly send troops, and even appeared to threaten America at one point, Trump and Vance had had enough.
Zelensky didn't get it. This war was ending one way or another.
Vance told Zelensky, “Do you think that it's respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country?”
Trump asked Zelensky who he thought he was dealing with? And from what position of leverage?
“You don't have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards," Trump said. "You're gambling with the lives of millions of people! You're gambling with World War III!”
At that point, Zelensky was basically kicked out of the White House.
In a statement, President Trump told him to come back when he was serious about wanting peace.
Many people, especially conservatives, who had long criticized the Biden administration just forking over billions to Ukraine, were firmly behind Trump and Vance.
Sen. Mike Lee said Zelensky was acting like a child.
Sen. Ted Cruz said Zelensky tried to belittle the president.
It was clear who was out of line, especially if you watch the entire video.
Democrats tried to spin it that this was some sort of an "ambush" by Trump and Vance.
Nope. They did exactly what needed to be done.
After the exchange Friday, polling showed more Americans agreed with how Trump is approaching the Ukraine-Russia war compared to Biden.
There's no other way to put it.
Zelensky screwed up.