Missouri’s Republican members of Congress back Trump in tussle with Zelensky
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Republican members of Missouri's congressional delegation -- including both U.S. senators -- are backing President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance in their tense confrontation with Ukraine's leader.
Trump and Vance were part of a White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday that turned at some points into a shouting match. Trump told Zelensky that he would start World War III and Vance called him ungrateful.
Trump is working to broker an end to the war in Ukraine that began with a Russian invasion three years ago. Zelensky was reportedly ready to sign the framework of a deal giving the U.S. access to Ukrainian minerals but that deal is apparently now off.
Both of Missouri's senators quickly posted their support for the president and vice president on the social media platform X.
Sen. Josh Hawley wrote that Congress has spent billions on Ukraine aid with little oversight.
Remember: the U.S. Senate has repeatedly and for years voted BILLIONS of taxpayer dollars to Ukraine with no strings attached and with no true oversight. It’s time for some ACCOUNTABILITY
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) February 28, 2025
Sen. Eric Schmitt called the president's approach "spot on."
"It’s about time we have leaders who say what the American people are really thinking and prioritize the core national interests of America," Schmitt wrote. "The American taxpayer is tapped out, and President Trump and VP Vance are spot on."
It’s about time we have leaders who say what the American people are really thinking and prioritize the core national interests of America. The American taxpayer is tapped out, and President Trump and VP Vance are spot on. pic.twitter.com/G2oI3epOuR
— Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) February 28, 2025
Missouri's two Democratic representatives had a different take. Rep. Wesley Bell of St. Louis criticized the administration's "utter disregard for the rule of law."
We will be dealing with the consequences of the Trump administration's lack of values and utter disregard for the rule of law for decades. https://t.co/NZWu31docL
— Congressman Wesley Bell (@RepWesleyBellMO) February 28, 2025
"This is the most embarrassing and shameful moment I’ve ever witnessed from the Oval Office," wrote Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Kansas City). "American leadership publicly siding with a Dictator in Vladimir Putin and berating a democratic friend in Ukraine will not be forgotten by any nation around the world."
This is the most embarrassing and shameful moment I’ve ever witnessed from the Oval Office.
— Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (@repcleaver) February 28, 2025
American leadership publicly siding with a Dictator in Vladimir Putin and berating a democratic friend in Ukraine will not be forgotten by any nation around the world. https://t.co/LLkp4H8cmn
Rep. Bob Onder, a Republican representing the Third District that covers part of Mid-Missouri, quoted Trump saying that Zelensky is "not ready for peace."
Zelenskyy “is not ready for peace. He can come back when he’s ready for peace.” pic.twitter.com/QLtmtygaXf
— Dr. Bob Onder (@BobOnderMO) February 28, 2025
Mid-Missouri's other U.S. representatives, Republicans Mark Alford and Sam Graves, also posted their support for the president on social media.
"It’s time to put our country’s core interests first—President Trump and VP Vance are exactly right," Alford wrote.
America is a generous nation. We respect that the American taxpayer is stretched thin.
— Rep. Mark Alford (@RepMarkAlford) February 28, 2025
It’s time to put our country’s core interests first—President Trump and VP Vance are exactly right. https://t.co/cjCTdox1Cv
"Peace through strength doesn’t work unless you project strength. Thank you, @POTUS for putting America First!" Graves wrote on X.
Peace through strength doesn’t work unless you project strength. Thank you, @POTUS for putting America First!
— Rep. Sam Graves (@RepSamGraves) February 28, 2025
