Pelosi just won’t leave Trump alone.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) criticized President Donald Trump for his “disrespectful” conduct during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, claiming that Russian President Vladimir Putin “must be pleased” with how the meeting unfolded.
Pelosi accused Trump of failing to show strength as the leader of the free world, arguing that it would have been far more dignified for the President to engage with Zelensky in a respectful and diplomatic manner. “It was an opportunity for President Trump to demonstrate American leadership by welcoming Ukraine’s leader with honor,” Pelosi wrote in a post on X. “Instead, the meeting became a display of weakness that will only serve to empower Putin.”
Pelosi’s criticism also highlighted the U.S. vote at the United Nations earlier that week, which sided with Russia in rejecting a resolution condemning Russia as the aggressor in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. She argued that this move contradicted America’s historical commitment to supporting democratic nations and global peace.
The meeting, which began on cordial terms, soon devolved into a heated exchange. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence took issue with Zelensky’s stance on the U.S. involvement in the conflict, questioning whether Ukraine was truly grateful for American support. Trump also expressed skepticism about the potential for a peace deal with Putin, arguing that Zelensky lacked the leverage to negotiate a meaningful agreement.
Zelensky countered Trump’s claims by pointing to Putin’s actions—continued attacks on Ukrainian territories and the refusal to honor previous ceasefire agreements—as proof that any peace talks with Russia were premature. Tensions escalated further when Zelensky warned that the U.S. may one day feel the effects of the war more directly. Trump retorted sharply, insisting that the U.S. would remain strong, and criticized Zelensky for gambling with global peace.
Trump went on to post on Truth Social after the meeting, stating, “Zelensky disrespected America in its amazing Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace.”
Despite the contentious nature of their conversation, Zelensky thanked Trump for the opportunity to meet and reaffirmed his commitment to achieving peace for Ukraine. However, the exchange left many wondering whether the meeting will lead to any meaningful progress toward a resolution of the crisis in Eastern Europe.