Top Illinois Democrats strongly criticized former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on Friday after their tense meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. They called Trump’s actions a “national disgrace” and an “embarrassment.”
During the televised meeting, Trump abruptly ended discussions by canceling a minerals deal with Ukraine. He claimed the deal would have helped Ukraine move closer to ending its war with Russia. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, along with 13 other Democratic governors, responded by reaffirming their support for Ukraine.
“You’re gambling with World War III,” Trump told Zelenskyy, accusing Ukraine of being ungrateful for U.S. aid. The meeting lasted 45 minutes, ending with Zelenskyy leaving early. He had hoped to secure continued U.S. support and warn Trump that Russian President Vladimir Putin could not be trusted. Before the meeting ended, Trump was overheard saying, “This is going to be great television.”
Illinois Senator Dick Durbin criticized Trump’s behavior, saying he should have used the meeting to express gratitude to Zelenskyy for defending democracy. “Instead of blaming President Zelenskyy, Trump and Vance should be thanking him for fighting Russian aggression,” Durbin wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He reminded Americans that 46,000 Ukrainians have died in battle against Putin’s forces.
Senator Tammy Duckworth had even harsher words, calling Trump a “national disgrace” for attacking Ukraine while siding with an authoritarian leader like Putin.
Other Democratic leaders from Illinois also condemned the meeting. Congresswoman Robin Kelly accused Trump of acting like “Putin’s puppet” and described his accusations against Zelenskyy as disgraceful. She praised the Ukrainian leader as a hero fighting for democracy worldwide.
Congressman Mike Quigley, a strong supporter of Ukraine, called the meeting “an embarrassment” and warned that Trump’s actions were damaging the country’s international reputation. “For over a century, the U.S. has stood for democracy,” Quigley wrote. “Today, Trump chose to support dictators instead.”
Governor Pritzker, who has Ukrainian heritage, stood with fellow Democratic governors in supporting Ukraine. They issued a statement saying Trump and Vance used the Oval Office to insult Zelenskyy instead of backing Ukraine’s fight for freedom.
“Americans must protect democracy on the world stage,” the governors stated. “We, along with millions of Americans, stand united with Ukraine.”
Pritzker’s sister, Penny Pritzker, was a key U.S. official involved in Ukraine’s economic recovery under President Biden. Their family history strengthens Pritzker’s personal commitment to supporting Ukraine.
