The Daily Beast columnist Julia Davis compared Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Jesus Christ in a Friday social media post following his explosive showdown with President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance.
Trump and Vance’s meeting with Zelenskyy in the Oval Office ended in a shouting match as the Ukrainian president accused the U.S. of not meaningfully “engaging in diplomacy,” ultimately causing the White House to ask Zelenskyy to leave. Davis, referencing Vance’s confrontation of Zelenskyy over the foreign leader’s supposed lack of gratitude shown to the U.S., posted a photograph of Hollywood director Mel Gibson and actor Jim Caviezel playing Jesus Christ.
“You don’t look grateful,” Davis posted.
Trump and Vance accused Zelenskyy of being “disrespectful” to the U.S. given that the nation has handed over billions of dollars in aid and military weapons since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. The president told Zelenskyy that the U.S. has “backed [Ukraine] far more than a lot people say [the U.S.] should have.”
“We’re trying to solve a problem, don’t tell us what we’re going to feel,” Trump told Zelenskyy. “Because you’re in no position to dictate that, remember that. 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 right now not in a very good position … You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you’ll have the cards. You’re playing cards. You’re gambling with a lot of lives and millions of people. You’re gambling with World War III … and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country. It’s backed you far more than a lot people say it should have.”
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Vance called out the Ukrainian president for not thanking the U.S. for it’s support and assistance to his country as it fights against Russia.
Following the tense moment, Trump cancelled the scheduled joint press conference with Zelenskyy and the signing of the minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine. Trump said in a post to Truth Social that Zelenskyy “is not ready for peace” because U.S. involvement grants him a “big advantage in negotiations.”
“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today,” Trump said. “Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
Zelenskyy thanked Trump, the U.S., Congress and “the American people” for the visit and stated that his country needs “just and lasting peace.”
Democrats condemned Trump and Vance for the events that took place and uttered their years-old talking point that Trump is a loyalist to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Democratic Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton called the meeting an “embarrassing moment for our country,” while Democratic California Sen. Adam Schiff accused Trump of being a “coward” and labeled Zelenskyy a “hero.”
Republicans have stood behind Trump and Vance, including South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, who has a long history of being a staunch supporter of Ukraine.
Featured Image Credit: The Presidential Office of Ukraine
