Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) claims former President Donald Trump was criticizing aid to Ukraine during his meeting with Republican lawmakers.
In a post on X, Gaetz wrote, “TRUMP ON UKRAINE: ‘They’re never going to be there for us.'”
“He says we should pay OUR TROOPS more instead of sending $60b to Ukraine. Trump trashing the Ukraine Aid to [House Speaker Mike Johnson’s] face is so epic.”
Earlier this year, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) paved the way for the House to pass an aid package to Ukraine despite threats to his leadership.
Trump was scheduled to meet with House and Senate Republicans near Capitol Hill on Thursday.
NPR reports, “The meeting marks a high-stakes affair for Trump and Republicans heading into the contentious final months of the presidential campaign. While many congressional Republicans are firmly behind Trump, there remains a divide among some Republican members on how strongly to support the former president as he faces multiple legal battles.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) told reporters about the trip, “I think we cannot waste a moment, because there’s so many things to do.”
He added, “So in light of that, we’re having discussions with [Trump] and his team now and amongst ourselves to plan accordingly. You don’t put the cart before the horse, but you do have to be prepared to lead. And we’re going to be prepared.”
Meanwhile. Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), the No. 3 Republican in the Senate, said he invited the former president to speak to Senate Republicans about his “plans for the summer and policy agenda for 2025.”
In a statement to The Hill, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said, “Today, the instigator of an insurrection is returning to the scene of the crime. January 6th was a crime against the Capitol, that saw Nazi and Confederate flags flying under the dome that Lincoln built.”
“It was a crime against the Constitution and its peaceful transfer of power, in a desperate attempt to cling to power,” the statement added. “And it was a crime against Members, heroic police officers and staff, that resulted in death, injury and trauma that endure to this day.”
Finally, Pelosi said, “With his pledges to be a dictator on day one and seek revenge against his political opponents, Donald Trump comes to Capitol Hill today with the same mission of dismantling our democracy.
“But make no mistake — Trump has already cemented his legacy of shame in our hallowed halls,” she insisted.
Her statement appeared to be a shot at the former president’s joke about being a dictator for one day. In December, Fox News’ Sean Hannity asked Trump if he would reassure Americans he would not abuse his power or fulfill his retribution pledge.
