President Trump and Vice President JD Vance were caught in a heated exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting in the Oval Office on Friday.
It all started when Vance accused Zelenskyy of being disrespectful.
“Mr. President, with respect, I think it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try and litigate this in front of the American media,” Vance said to Zelenskyy in a fiery exchange.
“Right now, you guys are going around and forcing conscripts to the frontlines because you have manpower problems,” Vance continued. “You should be thanking [President Trump] for trying to bring an end to this conflict.”
“Have you ever been to Ukraine? Then you’d see what problems we have,” Zelenskyy shot back.
“Come once,” Zelenskyy added.
Next, the Ukrainian President said the U.S. would “feel” the effects of the war soon.
“You don’t know that. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel,” Trump erupted. “We’re trying to solve a problem. Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. You’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel. We’re going to feel very good and very strong.”
“You’re not in a good position. You don’t have the cards right now!” Trump continued. “With us, you start having cards … you’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III!”
Later in the exchange, Trump said, “You’re country is in big trouble,” and blasted former President Joe Biden for his handling of Ukraine, saying he’s “not a smart person.”
“I think it’s good for the American people to see what’s going on,” Trump added.
Watch the clips below for the full exchange:
Wow! President Trump and JD Vance just told Zelenskyy exactly what millions of Americans have wanted to tell him, right to his face. Someone needed to say it. pic.twitter.com/WegZypSrvy
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) February 28, 2025
HOLY SHIT
JD Vance is GOING off on Zelenskyy.
Trump is backing him up the entire way.
This is the most tense exchange I’ve seen yet. Trump is a total boss! pic.twitter.com/wkOQ4rxDqT
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) February 28, 2025
Trump and Zelenskyy were expected to sign an agreement for Ukraine’s minerals and energy. It’s unclear how the tense exchange in the Oval Office will affect the deal.
The Trump-Zelenskyy news conference was canceled.
This story is developing…