Watch: Trump-Zelensky Meeting Gets Hostile

US President Dresses Down Ukraine Leader

Trump-Zelensky Meeting Ends in Standoff: No Deal for Now

President Trump has put any potential deal with Ukraine on hold following a tense exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Posting on Truth Social, Trump stated:

“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. 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.”

As a result, Trump canceled a scheduled joint press conference with Zelensky.

Inside the Oval Office: Heated Exchanges

Days after calling Zelensky a "dictator without elections," Trump met with him at the White House to discuss U.S. efforts to end the war in Ukraine and a proposed minerals deal. The deal, according to Trump, would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals for AI and military use, with the claim that once finalized, the war would end because “Russia won’t want to return.”

But the discussion turned hostile.

Trump accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War Three” and laid out his position bluntly:

“You either make a deal or we are out… I gave you the Javelins to take out all those tanks. Obama gave you sheets… You got to be more thankful because 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.”

Vice President JD Vance escalated the pressure, pressing Zelensky directly:

“Have you said thank you once? You went to Pennsylvania to campaign on the opposition.”

Zelensky pushed back, insisting Putin “began the war” and “has to pay.” Trump responded that he considers himself “in the middle” on the war, adding, “I’m for both Ukraine and Russia.” He also reiterated his commitment to NATO.

Optics and the Bigger Picture

Throughout the meeting, Trump made multiple comments about Zelensky’s attire, a continuation of previous criticism regarding the Ukrainian leader’s casual dress in high-profile diplomatic settings.

The day before, Trump softened his tone on the “dictator” remark, saying he now had “a lot of respect” for Zelensky, despite concerns over Ukraine’s internal policies, including election cancellations and media restrictions.

Zelensky, for his part, met earlier with a bipartisan U.S. Senate delegation and described the visit as a reaffirmation of U.S. support.

“We take pride in having strategic partners and friends like the United States. We are grateful for the unwavering bicameral and bipartisan support for Ukraine throughout all three years of Russia’s full-scale aggression,” he posted on X.

GOP and Administration Response

Several Republican lawmakers and Trump officials voiced support for the President’s handling of the situation.

• Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX): “America FIRST. Strong, unapologetic leadership on the world stage is BACK!”

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth: “Amen, Mr. President.”

• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: “Thank you, President Trump, for standing up for the American people.”

• Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV): “It is amazing to have a President and VP who put America First! Thank you, President Trump and VP Vance.”

What’s Next?

The meeting left more questions than answers. Trump’s stance signals a shift in U.S.-Ukraine relations, with future support likely tied to Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate an end to the war. Meanwhile, the broader implications for NATO, U.S. foreign policy, and the minerals deal remain developing.