Donald Trump’s decision to freeze military aid to Ukraine has sparked anger and condemnation from both Democrats and European leaders. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has come under attack on Elon Musk’s right-wing social media platform, X.
White House officials confirmed that the U.S. will temporarily freeze over $1 billion in arms and ammunition that are already ordered or in production for Ukraine. This decision also includes hundreds of millions of dollars in subsidized purchases from American weapons manufacturers.
This move followed a tense diplomatic press conference on Friday, which led to heightened criticism from Trump and support for Zelensky from European leaders.
On Musk’s X, formerly Twitter, the response to the news was different. Some users posted hostile messages, with one saying, “You are leading your people to the slaughter!” and another writing, “Good riddance!” Many repeated Trump’s false claims that Zelensky is a dictator or spread conspiracy theories about the war.
Democratic politicians quickly condemned Trump’s freeze on aid. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren slammed the move, writing on X: “First, Donald Trump blamed Zelensky for Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Then, he says he ‘trusts’ Putin. Now, he has frozen bipartisan military aid.” Warren added, “It’s clear that Donald Trump is putting his fragile ego before our national security—siding with Putin over US allies in Europe.”
Philadelphia Representative Brendan Boyle also criticized Trump’s decision, calling it “reckless” and a “direct threat to our national security.” Boyle pointed out that military aid to Ukraine had been approved by both parties in Congress. New York Representative accused Trump of attempting “extortion” by freezing the aid.
Republican Senator Susan Collins denounced the freeze, noting that Ukrainians are “shedding blood” defending their country. However, Senator Markwayne Mullin voiced concerns about the war’s lack of an end in sight, questioning why American taxpayers should continue funding it.
News of the freeze broke during the European night, but most EU leaders are already blasting the decision as “petty and wrong,” warning it could lead to unnecessary civilian casualties due to a shortage of air defense missiles.
The growing backlash against Trump’s freeze on aid, alongside the attacks on Zelensky, reflects the deep divisions surrounding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
