Donald Trump Jr. led MAGA Republicans attack on Volodymyr Zelensky as the Ukrainian president made a historic visit to the United States amid Russia’s unprovoked invasion of his country.
Zelensky met with President Joe Biden on Wednesday and is expected to address a joint session of Congress later that same day.
While Democrats welcomed Zelensky to the U.S, some MAGA Republicans were not on board and criticized Zelensky for what they expect to be a request for additional aid to Ukraine as Russia prepares to launch a winter offensive.
“Zelensky is basically an ungrateful international welfare queen,” Donald Trump Jr. tweeted.
Trump Jr was responding to an excerpt from an Associated Press report in which Zelensky, during a visit to Bakhmut earlier this week, signaled he would be requesting more aid from the US.
“We are not in an easy situation. The enemy is increasing its army. Our people are braver and need more powerful weapons. We will pass it on from the boys to the Congress, to the president of the United States. We are grateful for their support, but it is not enough. It is a hint—it is not enough,” Zelensky said, according to the AP.
“Of course the shadow president has to come to Congress and explain why he needs billions of American’s taxpayer dollars for the 51st state, Ukraine,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote in a tweet. “This is absurd. Put America First!!!”
Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.)also wrote in a post on Twitter: “No more blank checks to Ukraine.”
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) suggested on Twitter that Zelensky’s historic visit was not an accident.
Zelensky’s visit coincides with Congress debating President Biden’s $1.7 trillion spending bill which includes $45 billion in new emergency aid for Ukraine. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is urging House Republicans to oppose the legislation.
