Special Poll
Kinzinger Slams Trump and Vance Over Tense Exchange with Zelensky
Former Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) sharply criticized President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance late Friday following their highly contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House.
Kinzinger, one of Trump’s most outspoken Republican critics, did not hold back in his assessment of the administration’s stance on Ukraine, warning that the U.S. is no longer playing the role of the “good guys” in the ongoing effort to end the war in Eastern Europe.
“I hate to say this, but at this moment, the United States is not the good guys in this situation,” Kinzinger stated during an interview with CNN. “Donald Trump has consistently praised Russia. I honestly can’t recall a single time he has spoken critically of Vladimir Putin—it’s almost unheard of.”
He also expressed frustration over Trump’s recent reversal on his harsh rhetoric toward Zelensky. “Yesterday, we were all shocked when Trump tried to walk back his comments, saying, ‘Oh, did I really call Zelensky a dictator?’ This is the reality we’re living in, and frankly, it should be an embarrassment for all Americans,” Kinzinger told CNN’s Dana Bash.
The meeting between the U.S. and Ukrainian delegations initially started on a cordial note but quickly unraveled into a heated dispute. Vice President Vance informed Zelensky that President Trump was working on a peace deal with Russia. Zelensky, however, pushed back, reminding the room that Russian President Vladimir Putin has a long history of violating ceasefire agreements.
Vance did not take kindly to Zelensky’s response, calling him “disrespectful” for “airing grievances in front of the American media.” He insisted that the Ukrainian leader should be grateful for Trump’s efforts to bring an end to the war.
“Right now, your country is struggling with manpower shortages, and you’re forcing conscripts to the front lines,” Vance stated. “Instead of challenging the president, you should be thanking him for trying to resolve this conflict.”
The exchange has added to growing concerns about the administration’s approach to Ukraine, with critics warning that the White House is prioritizing appeasement of Russia over longstanding U.S. commitments to its allies.