By Charles Switzer
6:23pm PST, Mar 5, 2025
Trump Halts Military Aid to Ukraine Following White House Clash
President
Donald Trump suspended U.S. military aid to Ukraine in the wake of his heated confrontation with Ukrainian President
Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, February 28, a White House official confirmed.
The pause marks a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy, as Trump has moved toward engaging in peace talks with Russia while scrutinizing continued support for Ukraine. The White House stated that the aid is being reviewed to ensure it aligns with Trump's broader diplomatic objectives. However, the administration has not specified the exact scope of the pause or how long it may last. The Pentagon also declined to provide additional details.
Here's what's happening and how others in Washington, D.C., reacted…
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Ukrainian Officials Sound Alarm Over Aid Suspension
Ukrainian leaders expressed deep concern over the suspension of military aid, with some officials accusing Trump of pressuring Ukraine into surrendering to Russia.
Oleksandr Merezhko, head of Ukraine's parliamentary foreign affairs committee, warned that the decision appeared to be "pushing us towards capitulation."
While Zelensky has not yet publicly responded, the move exacerbates tensions between the two leaders, who clashed last week when
Trump berated Zelensky for not showing enough gratitude for U.S. support. The latest development raises fresh uncertainty about Ukraine's ability to sustain its defense as it continues to fight Russian aggression.
Vice President J.D. Vance
"If you want real security guarantees, if you want to actually ensure that
Vladimir Putin does not invade Ukraine again, the very best security guarantee is to give Americans economic upside in the future of Ukraine," Vice President
J.D. Vance shared in an interview.
Representative Lauren Boebert
"We've given Ukraine more than enough. The wallet is closed!" Representative Lauren Boebert wrote on X.
Senator Bernie Sanders
Senator
Bernie Sanders, a vocal critic of the Trump admin, wrote on X, "Americans are embarrassed and ashamed that we have a President who says that Ukraine started the war with Russia. We must defend our 250-year tradition of being the Democratic leader of the world, and not turn our backs on a struggling country that is trying to save its people."
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders
"President Trump is right to stand up for American interests and not fund an endless war. Zelenskyy and Putin need to both get serious about peace and @realDonaldTrump is the only leader capable of brokering a deal," Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders wrote on X.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen
"By freezing military aid to Ukraine, President Trump has kicked the door wide open for Putin to escalate his violent aggression against innocent Ukrainians. The repercussions will undoubtedly be devastating," Senator Jeanne Shaheen observed.
Senator Rand Paul
Senator
Rand Paul came to the president's defense, writing on X, "Good start. Let's end it and fully audit what was already spent. America first."
Senator Cory Booker
"Trump's pro-Putin posture will only embolden authoritarian leaders and endanger the U.S. and other democracies," Senator Cory Booker wrote on X.
Senator Lindsey Graham
"I have tried very hard to maintain support for the efforts of the Ukrainian people to repel the Russian invasion and have expressed admiration for President Zelensky's leadership during the most difficult times. I, like so many others, can only give advice. It's up to President Zelensky to determine whether or not to take it," Senator Lindsey Graham wrote on X.
