President Trump's longtime critic Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif), said millions of Americans were “first time” embarrassed by their efforts to sign contracts with Ukraine to access mineral wealth.
“Not only does the millions, millions of Americans who are watching this don't agree with the president, it's probably the first time I feel embarrassed.
“We not only betrayed our allies, but we betrayed our principles,” he continued. “Are we nothing more than transactions now? We have no commitment to democracy, no commitment to allies. It's all about money. It's like Donald Trump's orientation, but what a sad chapter in our history.”
The sharp criticism comes before Ukrainian President Voldi Muselensky's anticipated visit to the White House on Friday, when President Trump said he would complete a long-standing mineral trade between the two countries.
At a press conference Wednesday, Zelensky said it has reached the framework of economic transactions but does not include security assurances that Zelensky said were important.
The agreement will provide the United States with access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals. Trump has framed the US as a way to repay the US for the aid Ukraine has already sent during the Biden administration. But Zelensky says he needs to know where the US is first receiving ongoing military support. It is a topic that he expects to discuss during his visit.
When announcing the Ukraine conference, Trump said on Wednesday that he “is not going to provide much security guarantee,” adding that he is “trying to let Europe do that.”
Schiff blows up Trump for comments in an interview with Schiff on Wednesday.
“This is an effort to pressure Zelensky to give up anything for everything, and I have to say this.
