Special Poll
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (R) commented Sunday that President Trump appears to align himself with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a stance that has drawn scrutiny following recent diplomatic tensions.
During a discussion on ABC News’s “This Week,” Christie addressed the contentious Oval Office meeting between Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Vice President Vance. The meeting, which reportedly became heated, highlighted divisions over U.S. support for Ukraine and Trump’s approach to negotiations with Russia.
Host George Stephanopoulos noted that Trump seemed to take the situation personally, particularly in his dealings with Zelensky. “He’s clearly upset with [Zelensky],” Stephanopoulos observed. “It probably goes back to what started his first impeachment. And he clearly believes, in his mind—despite what U.S. intelligence officials have confirmed—that Russia did interfere in our elections, but that Vladimir Putin is a victim along with him.”
Christie responded by suggesting that Trump views himself as the true victim in these conflicts rather than considering the broader geopolitical consequences. “I don’t think he even cares whether Putin’s a victim or not, George,” Christie said. “That’s just rhetoric. He’s the victim in his mind, and that’s what matters most to him. It’s always about, ‘What does this mean for me?’”
Christie also noted that Trump’s rhetoric and positioning make him appear to be an ally of Putin, even if that’s not his intent. “What we need to understand, and what I think the President should try to do now, is to realize that he looks and sounds like an ally of Putin,” Christie said. He also pushed back against the argument that diplomatic engagement with Putin should be purely conciliatory, suggesting that negotiations require a firmer stance rather than just appeasement.
The Oval Office meeting on Friday reportedly involved raised voices, finger-pointing, and sharp disagreements over U.S. assistance to Ukraine. Following the tense exchange, Trump posted on Truth Social, stating that Zelensky “is not ready for peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations.”
With growing divisions within the Republican Party over support for Ukraine, Trump’s stance continues to be a focal point of debate among lawmakers and political analysts alike.