What was supposed to be a public display of unity in advance of the signing of a deal between the United States and Ukraine turned into a heated exchange that prompted President Donald Trump to forcefully stand up for America against insults by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy was on-air in the Oval Office with Pres. Trump and Vice President JD Vance discussing a deal he needed to ensure greater security for his country. But, when he became rude and disrespectful, Trump and Vance called out Zelenskyy and called off the deal, as The Daily Signal explains:
“A tense exchange between Zelenskyy, Trump, and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office before a private meeting ended in Zelenskyy’s premature departure. Zelenskyy’s departure meant the mineral rights deal, the main reason for Zelenskyy’s visit, was not signed. The pair planned to sign the document in a now-canceled East Room joint press conference.
“A source familiar with the talks told The Daily Signal that the acrimony was ‘completely unexpected” and unplanned.’”
.@VP: "Do you think that it's respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and attack the administration that is trying to prevent the destruction of your country?"@POTUS: "You don't have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards ... You're… pic.twitter.com/iTYyAmfuCJ
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 28, 2025
“Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations,” Trump declared in a statement reacting to the exchange with Zelenskyy:
“I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
The White House website then posted quotes linking to video of Trump and Vance that highlighted their on-air defense of America, such as
- Pres. Trump: “Let me tell you, you don’t have the cards. With us, you have the cards — but without us, you don’t have any cards.”
- Pres. Trump: “You’re gambling with World War III.”
- Pres. Trump: “I gave you the javelins to take out all those tanks. Obama gave you sheets.”
WATCH IN FULL: All 46 minutes of the Oval Office meeting between President Donald J. Trump and President Zelenskyy pic.twitter.com/L88QejnhRA
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 28, 2025