In the aftermath of Donald Trump’s explosive Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Senator Marco Rubio revealed that President Joe Biden also had a heated exchange with the Ukrainian leader in the past.
During a discussion on the fallout from Trump’s public confrontation with Zelensky, Rubio referenced a 2022 NBC News report detailing a tense phone call between Biden and Zelensky. According to the report, Biden lost his temper after announcing an additional $1 billion in aid to Ukraine, only for Zelensky to immediately press for more assistance.
“It’s not just President Trump,” Rubio stated. “There are reports—NBC News is one place I recall—that Biden had a shouting match with Zelensky for not showing gratitude back in 2022.”
The NBC report described Biden raising his voice and telling Zelensky that the American people had been generous and that Ukraine should show “a little more gratitude.” White House officials later downplayed the exchange, insisting that relations between the two leaders remained strong despite the tense moment.
Trump vs. Biden: Contrasting Clashes with Zelensky
While Biden’s frustration with Zelensky was expressed privately, Trump’s recent confrontation was highly publicized. During their White House meeting, Trump accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War III” and being “disrespectful” to the U.S. after receiving billions in military aid. The meeting ended abruptly, with the Ukrainian delegation being asked to leave and a planned joint press conference canceled.
The contrasting styles of both presidents in handling Zelensky highlight a broader shift in U.S. policy toward Ukraine. Biden’s approach, despite occasional frustration, remained committed to supporting Ukraine. Trump, on the other hand, signaled a sharp deviation, questioning continued aid and refusing to provide security assurances.
Trump’s ‘Dictator’ Remark and the Minerals Deal Dispute
Trump has repeatedly referred to Zelensky as a “dictator” in recent remarks, a drastic departure from the Biden administration’s stance. This rhetoric, coupled with Trump’s praise for Russian President Vladimir Putin, has raised concerns among foreign policy experts about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine.
A major source of friction in Trump’s meeting with Zelensky was a proposed deal granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources. The agreement, which remains stalled, was intended to strengthen economic ties but did not include any security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelensky sought commitments for continued military support—something Trump refused to provide.
What’s Next for U.S.-Ukraine Relations?
Following the disastrous White House meeting, Ukrainian officials attempted to salvage diplomatic talks, but Trump reportedly showed no interest in further discussions that day. As he departed for Florida, uncertainty loomed over U.S.-Ukraine relations.
FAQs
- Did Biden really yell at Zelensky?
Yes, according to an NBC News report, Biden raised his voice during a 2022 call over Ukraine’s continued aid requests but later maintained strong support. - Why did Trump argue with Zelensky?
Trump publicly rebuked Zelensky, questioning Ukraine’s reliance on U.S. support and signaling a possible policy shift away from military aid. - What was the minerals deal dispute?
Trump and Zelensky clashed over a proposed economic deal that would benefit the U.S. but lacked security guarantees for Ukraine.
With diplomatic tensions at an all-time high, the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations remains uncertain as Trump appears to be re-evaluating Washington’s role in the conflict.
