In a rare Republican rebuke, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) blasted President Donald Trump on Saturday over his tense Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling the administration’s shift in foreign policy “sickening.”
“I am sick to my stomach as the administration appears to be walking away from our allies and embracing Putin, a threat to democracy and U.S. values around the world,” Murkowski wrote on X.
Her criticism came after Trump and Vice President JD Vance berated Zelenskyy in Washington on Friday, marking a stark departure from America’s traditional support for Ukraine. The exchange followed weeks of signals from the administration that aligning with Europe was no longer a priority.
GOP Backs Trump’s “America First” Shift
Most Republicans rallied behind Trump, embracing his “America First” approach to foreign policy. Even Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), once a vocal advocate for aiding Ukraine, suggested Zelenskyy should resign.
“I don’t know if we can ever do business with Zelenskyy again,” Graham said.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) went even further, calling Zelenskyy “that Ukrainian weasel.”
Despite the GOP’s broad support, some Republicans joined Murkowski in expressing concern. Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) lamented the lack of diplomacy, while Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) warned that turning away from Ukraine would be a major misstep for American foreign policy.
Zelenskyy Seeks Security and Economic Guarantees
Zelenskyy, maintaining a measured tone, told Fox News’ Bret Baier that while his Oval Office exchange with Trump was “not good,” it would not define U.S.-Ukraine relations.
The Ukrainian leader also reiterated his push for a deal with the U.S. on rare earth minerals, which Trump had initially supported but later abandoned following their heated meeting.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reassured Zelenskyy of the U.K.’s unwavering support, highlighting Ukraine’s desire to align with Western values.
A Turning Point for U.S. Foreign Policy?
With Trump openly prioritizing a closer relationship with Russia, his rift with Ukraine signals a potential realignment of U.S. global strategy. As the Supreme Court battle over Trump’s executive power looms, his handling of Ukraine could further test his influence over his own party.
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