Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL) argued Friday on CNN’s News Central that President Donald Trump should be thanking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his role in defending democracy. His remarks came in response to the recent Oval Office meeting between the two leaders.
Quigley claimed that under Trump’s leadership, the U.S. has become “fundamentally a different nation” and is now “alone in the world” and “less safe.” He warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine and reiterated concerns raised by U.S. military officials, suggesting that failure to counter Putin’s aggression now would lead to increased military spending and greater conflict in the future.
Quigley referenced statements from former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who have previously warned about the broader implications of a weakened response to Russia. He also claimed that European military leaders he met with during the war echoed similar concerns about global security.
The congressman accused Trump of “extorting” Zelensky, referencing past disputes over U.S. aid to Ukraine. He also suggested that Trump has “betrayed democracy in Eastern Europe” by not offering stronger support to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Quigley’s comments reflect ongoing tensions between congressional Democrats and the Trump administration regarding U.S. foreign policy and military support for Ukraine. As the debate continues, Trump remains committed to a more restrained approach to foreign involvement, advocating for peace negotiations over prolonged military aid.
