A tense White House meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has caused a stir on social media. What was supposed to be a diplomatic discussion on U.S. access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals and potential security assurances amid the Russia-Ukraine war escalated into an open confrontation.
Trump and Vance chastised Zelensky for his perceived lack of gratitude for American support in the ongoing conflict, a moment that has drawn significant attention both in the U.S. and internationally. The encounter has triggered polarized reactions, with some Trump supporters praising his stance, others expressing concern, and global leaders, including Democrats, voicing their support for Zelensky.
The meeting on Friday was initially expected to focus on critical diplomatic issues, including securing U.S. access to Ukraine's valuable minerals. However, tensions quickly flared as Trump and Vance confronted Zelensky, criticizing him for what they saw as ingratitude toward U.S. aid.
Trump, known for his controversial foreign policy views, raised his voice during the exchange, warning Zelensky that he was "gambling with the lives of millions of people" and risking "World War III." Trump also made it clear that he wanted a deal that would secure U.S. interests in Ukraine's mineral resources and push for a diplomatic resolution to the war on his terms.
Vance added to the tension, telling Zelensky, "Mr. President, with respect, I think it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media."
Zelensky attempted to respond, but the meeting ended abruptly when he left the White House early, with no deal reached. The confrontation has drawn attention to Trump’s ongoing criticism of Ukraine and his often favorable rhetoric towards Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Author Stephen King, 77, an outspoken critic of Trump, took to social media to condemn the heated meeting. On Saturday, King posted on X , accusing Trump and Vance of “throwing Zelenskyy under the bus” to please their base. King compared their tactics to an old pro wrestling trick, designed to "fire up the crowd."
Trump and Vance threw Zelenskyy under the bus because people are angry about Musk’s crazy cutting spree, and Trump kissing Putin’s ass. Tossed the base some red meat (I’m looking at you, Lindsey Graham). Old pro wrestling trick. Fire up the crowd.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) March 1, 2025
The tweet quickly went viral, amassing 1.9 million views and over 74,000 likes by Sunday afternoon. King's remarks reflect widespread disapproval of the meeting among Trump critics, with many taking issue with the U.S. President’s approach to foreign policy.
Despite the backlash, Trump’s allies, including Senator Lindsey Graham, have defended the President’s actions. Graham, a prominent figure in the "Make America Great Again" movement, went so far as to suggest that Zelensky should apologize to Trump and the U.S. for the exchange.
Appearing on Fox News on Friday, Graham said, “This was a missed opportunity… If Zelensky does not apologize, then Ukraine should consider replacing him.”
In addition to Graham, Elon Musk also voiced support for Trump’s position. Musk, who has made headlines for his leadership of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), wrote on X, “Zelensky destroyed himself in the eyes of the American people.” His comments, along with those from other Trump supporters, signal a growing divide over U.S. foreign policy in Ukraine.
Musk’s remarks about Zelensky were made in the context of his broader political agenda. As the leader of DOGE, Musk has advocated for drastic cuts to federal spending, which has sparked both support and criticism. Proponents believe these cuts will reduce the national debt, while critics worry that the changes could harm access to important government services.
Trump later addressed the meeting on Truth Social, where he claimed that the emotional exchange led him to conclude that Zelensky "is not ready for peace if America is involved." He argued that Zelensky felt U.S. support gave him an advantage in negotiations and criticized him for disrespecting the United States in the Oval Office.
Trump also made it clear that he was seeking peace, not an advantage, stating, “I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE.”
The meeting between Trump, Vance, and Zelensky has sparked intense debate and highlighted the growing divide over U.S. foreign policy towards Ukraine. While Trump’s critics, including Stephen King, have condemned the confrontation, his supporters, like Lindsey Graham and Elon Musk, have rallied behind him.
As the Russia-Ukraine war continues to shape global politics, this tense exchange is likely to be remembered as a key moment in the ongoing debate about America’s role in the conflict.
