QUOTES-Lawmakers in US Congress react to Zelenskiy-Trump Oval Office clash

Adding reactions

Feb 28 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump clashed at a White House meeting on Friday, prompting an outpouring of reaction from members of Congress and other officials.

STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON TAMMY BRUCE TO FOX BUSINESS

“What of course, we always recognize, and what's vitally important in the diplomatic world and the democratic world is that the people of Ukraine will decide those issues…. President Zelenskiy I think maybe is having some second thoughts, but he has a chance to turn this around, and he probably should, for the sake of his people.”

REPUBLICAN MICHAEL MCCAUL, CHAIRMAN EMERITUS OF THE HOUSE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

"I remain hopeful that we can still achieve a real and lasting peace in Ukraine that ensures Ukraine will be free from further Russian aggression. I also urge President Zelensky to sign the mineral deal immediately. It will create an economic partnership between the United States and Ukraine. It is in both of our interests to get this deal done."

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM OF TRUMP'S REPUBLICAN PARTY, SPEAKING TO REPORTERS:

"What I saw in the Oval Office was disrespectful and I don't know if we can ever do business with Zelenskiy again."

"He either needs to resign and send somebody over that we can do business with, or he needs to change."

REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE DON BACON ON X

"Some want to whitewash the truth, but we cannot ignore the truth. Russia is at fault for this war."

REPUBLICAN SENATOR BILL HAGERTY, WHO WAS U.S. AMBASSADOR TO JAPAN DURING TRUMP'S FIRST TERM, ON X

"The United States of America will no longer be taken for granted. The contrast between the last four years and now could not be more clear. Thank you, Mr. President."

REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE RALPH NORMAN ON X

"THIS is strong leadership that is ensuring we put the American people FIRST. Thank you @realDonaldTrump and @JDVance for standing up for our nation."

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DEMOCRATIC LEADER HAKEEM JEFFRIES IN A STATEMENT

"President Trump and his administration continue to embarrass America on the world stage. Today’s White House meeting with the President of Ukraine was appalling and will only serve to further embolden Vladimir Putin, a brutal dictator. The United States must not reward Russian aggression and continue to appease Putin.

"For three years, President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people have stood on the side of democracy, freedom and truth. Their success is in the national security interests of the United States. We should stand with Ukraine until victory is won."

DEMOCRATIC SENATOR JACK REED, RANKING MEMBER OF THE SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE, IN A STATEMENT

“Today’s spectacle in the Oval Office was a political ambush and a shameful failure of American leadership.

“President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine are fighting for their very lives and existence. Unlike Donald Trump or JD Vance, I have traveled to Ukraine and seen firsthand the death and destruction wrought by Vladimir Putin against innocent people. To mock Ukraine and our allies is a travesty that only benefits (Russian President Vladimir) Putin."

“Furthermore, today’s cruel and callous display does great harm to U.S. standing in the world. Trump and Vance are communicating to the world that the United States is not to be trusted. Adversaries and allies alike will take note."

DEMOCRAT GREGORY MEEKS, RANKING MEMBER OF THE HOUSE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, IN A STATEMENT

“The world just watched the supposed leader of the free world throw a temper tantrum in the Oval Office, lashing out at a war-time President fighting for his nation’s survival. Trump and (Vice President JD) Vance’s outburst did nothing to advance America’s interests or bring Ukraine closer to a just and sustainable peace."