(Molly Bruns, Headline USA) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington, D.C., Wednesday was received very differently on the opposite sides of the political aisle.
While America First conservatives bemoaned another massive aid package being sent to the Eastern European country, Democrats and Establishment RINOS hailed Zelenskyy as a reverential and historic figure for his unrelenting efforts to force regime change in Russia.
Donald Trump Jr. referred to Zelenskyy as “an ungreatful international welfare queen.”
Zelensky is basically an ungrateful international welfare queen. https://t.co/WclnckMoCj
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) December 21, 2022
Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo, posted a video reacting to Zelenskyy’s address on Twitter, expressing sympathy for those suffering in Ukraine but also wondering where the first $60-plus billion in Ukrainian aid went.
“Until Congress receives a full audit on where our money has already gone I will not support sending additional money to this war,” she said.
“President Zelenskyy is working to protect his country his border and his people,” she continued. “… I really just wish our commander-in-chief would do the same.”
My response to President Zelenskyy’s address to Congress 👇 pic.twitter.com/vTrAeys4ka
— Rep. Lauren Boebert (@RepBoebert) December 22, 2022
On the other side of the aisle, Democrats were fawning over the foreign president, praising him for his alleged bravery and heroism.
“America and the world are in awe of the heroism of the Ukrainian people,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., wrote to Zelenskyy in a formal invitation to speak in front of Congress.
“In the face of Putin’s horrific atrocities, Ukrainian freedom fighters have inspired the world with an iron will and an unbreakable spirit—fighting back against Russia’s brutal, unjustified invasion,” she added.
Pelosi even went as far as comparing him to late British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who is known for guiding England through World War II.
“My father, Congressman Thomas D’Alesandro Jr., was a Member of the House in 1941 when Winston Churchill came to the Congress on the day after Christmas to enlist our nation’s support in the fight against tyranny in Europe,” Pelosi said.
“Eighty-one years later this week, it is particularly poignant for me to be present when another heroic leader addresses the Congress in a time of war—and with Democracy itself on the line.”
Many Republicans were not pleased with this comparison, nor with the $1.7 trillion omnibus bill that appeared on track to clear the Senate Thursday after a bid from Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, to extend Title 42 border security protections failed 50–47 in a floor vote.
That bill will fund the government through next October, including some $47 billion in additional Ukraine funding, even as Zelenskyy indicated he would keep coming back for more.
Biden requested $37 billion for Ukraine.
The bill allocates $47 billion – bringing total aid to >$100 billion.
Zelenskyy will address Congress tonight, & will likely ask for EVEN MORE $$$.
Meanwhile, Pelosi is comparing him to Churchill & says that democracy on the line. pic.twitter.com/kh5qCkm9wN
— Rep. Dan Bishop (@RepDanBishop) December 21, 2022
For that much money, can we just plant a US flag in Ukraine and call it done?
— Zachary Kent (@realZacharyKent) December 22, 2022
First, if the plan is to bring US-style democracy to the Ukraine, god help them all.
Second, if democracy and freedom are truly on the line, why is the US on the hook for the majority of the money? EU needs to step up.
— LS of CA (@LStrickland760) December 22, 2022
