Trump and Zelenskyy’s meeting turns into a heated argument
A meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Friday grew contentious, with Trump telling Zelenskyy that “you’re not acting at all thankful” for the support his country had received from the United States, saying the Ukrainian leader had been disrespectful, and telling him, “you’re gambling with World War III.”
Zelenskyy is in Washington to sign a deal that would give the United States access to Ukrainian rare earth and critical minerals. Trump said the leaders would sign it at an afternoon event at the White House.
It was unclear what would happen after the unusually undiplomatic session — with raised voices and cross-talk played out in front of television cameras. “Gonna be a tough deal to make, because the attitudes have to change,” Trump said.
“The problem is, I’ve empowered you to be a tough guy, and I don’t think you’d be a tough guy without the United States, and your people are very brave, but you’re either going to make a deal or we’re out — and if we’re out, you’ll fight it out. I don’t think it’s going to be pretty, but you’ll fight it out, but you don’t have the cards,” he said.
The argument came at the end of a lengthy question-and-answer session with reporters, after Trump defended his approach with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he was trying to broker a deal between two parties. “I’m not aligned with anybody. I’m aligned with the United States of America, and for the good of the world, I’m aligned with the world, and I want to get this thing over with,” Trump said.
Vice President Vance then defended Trump’s approach as “diplomacy.” That elicited a strong response from Zelenskyy, who described how Putin had broken previous deals. Vance accused Zelenskyy of trying to “litigate this in front of the American media,” accusing him of running propaganda tours and campaigning for Democrats in Pennsylvania during the election and being ungrateful.
“Offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America and the president who’s trying to save your country, please,” Vance said.
Asma Khalid contributed reporting from Washington, D.C.
Portugal’s election falls short of ending political instability. Here’s what to know
Sunday's vote delivered another minority government for the center-right party. The significant rise in support for the hard-right populist party adds uncertainty.
U.S. sends 68 migrants back to Honduras and Colombia in first voluntary deportation
Experts believe the self-deportation offer will only appeal to a small portion of migrants already considering return, but unlikely to spur high demand.
El Salvador arrests prominent human rights lawyer
Human rights groups have called for the immediate release of Ruth López, whose whereabouts are unknown since her arrest by police in El Salvador late Sunday.
Standing by in San Antonio: the luxury plane from Qatar intended to replace Air Force One
The luxury jet needs a security overhaul. That usually takes a few years, meaning it might not be ready until Trump is out of office. Shortcuts could create national security risks.
For the first time, the U.S. is absent from WHO’s annual assembly. What’s the impact?
In the wake of President Trump's decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization, the agency is holding its first major meeting. How will that affect WHO — and the United States?
Federal judge blocks Trump’s takeover of U.S. Institute of Peace
U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ruled the USIP president and board members were unlawfully fired by President Trump and should be reinstated.
