Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.), a moderate within the Republican Party, indicated during a Sunday interview that First Lady Melania Trump deserves recognition for President Trump’s notable approach toward Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“I’m glad the president has shifted his focus to Ukraine,” Bacon shared during his conversation on News Nation’s “The Hill Sunday.”
“I think we should express our gratitude to Melania. Even the president mentioned that she reminded him that Russia attacks Ukrainian cities nightly,” he mentioned further.
On Monday, the president announced a NATO agreement to supply arms to Ukraine and issued a stern warning to Russia about facing complete secondary economic sanctions within 50 days.
In recent days, Trump has voiced growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as Moscow continues missile strikes on Ukraine even after the White House called for a ceasefire. He articulated his displeasure at a White House meeting on Monday.
“I returned home and told the First Lady, ‘I spoke to Vladimir today. It was a beneficial conversation,’ she says. Another [Ukrainian] city just got hit,” Trump recounted on Monday.
“We are very displeased with them, and we plan to impose strict tariffs if we don’t reach a resolution within 50 days,” he warned. “About 100% customs duties.”
The White House later clarified that Trump actually referred to “secondary sanctions,” not tariffs.
Bacon, one of only three Republicans elected in a district that cast its vote for Vice President Harris in 2024, commended Trump’s announcement but expressed a desire for more substantial actions from the president. He recently declared his intention to retire after his current term.
“We really need clear moral reasoning here. Russia is the aggressor, they are bombing cities. What happens if Russia emerges victorious in Ukraine? This clarity is essential,” he stated.
“If we do not succeed in supporting Ukraine, the future costs could be even greater. Ukraine wanted to align with the West; they seek democracy and a free market,” he added.
Bacon concluded by saying regarding the secondary sanctions: “I wish the timeframe was shorter, perhaps 20 or 30 days, but we must hold China, Iran, and North Korea accountable as they bolster Russia’s military actions against Ukraine.”
