Cabinet Members Stand by Trump, Zelensky Cancels Events
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a dramatic Oval Office encounter, US Cabinet members and Republicans showed unwavering support for President Trump and Vice-President Vance, while Ukrainian President Zelensky canceled multiple appearances following a tense exchange. The situation highlights significant diplomatic strains and the complexities of US-Ukrainian relations.
Key Takeaways
- Trump and Vance received strong backing from Cabinet members.
- Zelensky canceled key events following a heated exchange.
- The Hudson Institute speech was scrapped amidst controversy.
- Republican leaders voiced their support for the President.
- The diplomatic relationship faces significant challenges.
Washington, March 1 (NationPress) US Cabinet Secretaries and Republicans rallied behind President Donald Trump and Vice-President J.D. Vance during their tense encounter with visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office on Friday.
In the wake of the heated exchange, President Zelensky decided to cancel multiple scheduled events throughout his visit.
He called off a speech he was supposed to deliver at the Hudson Institute, a prominent think tank in Washington D.C., amid rising calls from his supporters within the American political sphere to utilize the occasion to apologize for the Oval Office confrontation and work towards restoring diplomatic discussions.
The Ukrainian leader also scrapped plans for an event at the Ukraine House.
However, an interview with Fox News anchor Brett Baier appears to still be on schedule.
During the Oval Office dialogue, Trump asserted that Zelensky had no leverage in the peace talks and should demonstrate greater appreciation and respect towards the United States.
According to Fox News, which cited unnamed sources, Zelensky was subsequently "kicked out" of the White House.
A joint press conference originally set for the two leaders was also called off, along with a lunch that American officials were supposed to host for the visiting Ukrainian team.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his gratitude on X, stating, "Thank you @POTUS for standing up for America in a way that no President has ever had the courage to do before." He added, "Thank you for putting America First. America is with you!"
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed similar sentiments, praising the President on X: "Thank you @POTUS for standing up not only for America, but for the American warfighter."
Additional Republican figures voiced their support for both the President and the Vice-President.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a steadfast advocate for Ukraine's military efforts, remarked, "I have never been more proud of the President. I was very proud of J.D. Vance for defending our nation." He further noted, "We aim to be helpful. The behavior I witnessed in the Oval Office was disrespectful, and I'm uncertain if we can negotiate with Zelensky in the future. Many Americans likely viewed him as someone they wouldn't want to partner with based on how he handled the meeting and confronted the President—it was simply excessive."
