House Speaker Mike Johnson has said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy needs to either change his approach or step down if Ukraine wants to continue peace talks with the United States.
His statement came just days after a heated meeting in the Oval Office involving Zelenskyy, President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance.
Johnson believes that Trump is working to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia, but Zelenskyy’s attitude during the meeting showed he might not be ready for negotiations.
“What President Zelenskyy did in the White House was a great disappointment,” Johnson said during an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Zelenskyy’s Push for Security Guarantees
One of the main points of disagreement is Zelenskyy’s demand for security guarantees from the U.S. He wants assurances that the U.S. will support Ukraine if Russia violates a ceasefire agreement.
However, Trump and Vance told Zelenskyy that he should be more appreciative of U.S. aid rather than pushing for more conditions.
Following the meeting, Senator Lindsey Graham criticized Zelenskyy, saying the discussion was a “complete disaster.” He even suggested that Zelenskyy resign or allow someone else to negotiate on Ukraine’s behalf.
Johnson Defends U.S. Interests in Ukraine’s Mineral Deal
Speaker Johnson defended the proposed mineral rights deal between the U.S. and Ukraine. He argued that the agreement benefits both countries, providing the U.S. with valuable resources while ensuring Ukraine’s security.
“They will effectively be in an economic partnership with us, and we always defend our interests,” he explained. Johnson also emphasized that this deal sends a strong message to global powers like Russia and China.
Differing Opinions on Zelenskyy’s Leadership
Not all U.S. officials agree with calls for Zelenskyy to resign. Senator James Lankford said he doesn’t support forcing out another country’s leader, warning that it could destabilize Ukraine.
Senator Bernie Sanders also condemned the idea, calling it a “horrific suggestion.” He argued that Zelenskyy is leading Ukraine in its fight for democracy against Russia’s aggression.
House Republicans Push for Budget Cuts
Aside from Ukraine discussions, Johnson also addressed the budget reconciliation bill recently passed by House Republicans.
The bill includes $2 trillion in spending cuts, raising concerns about possible impacts on Medicaid and other social programs. Johnson denied that Medicaid funding would be affected, urging people to review the bill themselves.
“We must get our fiscal house in order,” Johnson stated, adding that Republicans also want to extend Trump’s 2017 tax cuts. He assured that this could be done without harming the benefits of those relying on government programs.
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Elon Musk’s Comments on Social Security
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has sparked controversy by calling Social Security a “Ponzi scheme.” His statements suggest he may support changes to the program.
When asked about Musk’s stance, Johnson said he has had multiple meetings with Musk, who claims to have identified significant fraud in the system.
Johnson emphasized the importance of making sure Social Security operates efficiently, without waste or abuse. However, Bernie Sanders strongly opposed Musk’s comments, saying, “For 80 years, Social Security has paid out every nickel owed to eligible Americans.”
Ongoing Debates Over U.S. Support and Policy
The discussions surrounding Zelenskyy’s leadership, the mineral rights deal, and U.S. budget policies continue to create sharp political divides. While some Republicans believe Zelenskyy should step down, others argue that his leadership is crucial for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, economic concerns in the U.S., including budget cuts and Social Security reforms, remain key issues for lawmakers.
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