Donald Trump’s approach to the war in Ukraine is testing his relationship with fellow Republicans, with some lawmakers warning that his dealings with Russia could jeopardize their support for his domestic priorities. The dispute hinges on his decision to ease pressure on Russia while pursuing a fuel agreement with Vladimir Putin.
Republicans threaten support for Trump’s agenda over Ukraine policy
Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon has made the political stakes clear. He may no longer back the president’s legislative priorities. Speaking to CNN on Monday, the outgoing congressman condemned Trump’s handling of Russia as “absolutely disgraceful” and said the president had lost leverage with lawmakers in Congress (via The Guardian).
Bacon also questioned why Republicans should help advance projects such as a proposed victory arch or White House ballroom while Trump’s actions toward Putin continue to draw criticism. “Frankly, what I see him doing here is surrendering,” he said.
The dispute intensified after Trump paused sanctions on Moscow despite recently signing legislation designed to increase economic pressure on Russia. He also announced a deal to buy Russian diesel as fuel prices rose.
Trump has meanwhile accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of lacking interest in ending the conflict and suggested Monday that someone else should negotiate for Kyiv. Zelenskyy told Bloomberg he believed Washington was trying to “convince Ukraine to capitulate” to Russian demands.
Other Republicans have joined the criticism. South Carolina Sen. Darline Graham said she would rather pressure Russia to end the war, adding that she did not “trust” Putin.
Bill Cassidy invoked Ronald Reagan and Lindsey Graham, writing on X (formerly Twitter) that they “would be ashamed” of the administration’s approach. Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney also warned on social media that abandoning Ukraine would mean “abandoning liberty.”
Pennsylvania Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick told MS Now that the administration had failed to provide “sufficient answers” about the diesel agreement and reported restrictions on Ukraine’s access to Starshield. He warned that lawmakers could pursue “punitive budgetary action” and demand accountability.
