WRAL by Brian Murphy
WRAL reached out to all members of the North Carolina delegation for their reactions after the contentious Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Rep. Deborah Ross, Democrat from NC-02 (Wake County)
"The behavior of Trump and Vance in the Oval Office was a complete disgrace and represents a sad day for America. Trump’s decision to cozy up to dictators like Vladimir Putin is alarming and will have severe consequences for our country’s security and standing in the eyes of the world. In stark contrast, President Zelensky continues to show remarkable strength and dignity under exceptionally difficult circumstances. The United States must stand with the Ukrainian people in their brave fight for freedom.”
Rep. Chuck Edwards, Republican from NC-11 (Western North Carolina)
“Zelensky forgot that he is dealing with the master of the art of the deal. Marching into our Oval Office and insulting the work already done to help save his people was a serious mistake. I’m proud that President Trump showed the world on live TV today how America is reclaiming our leadership role.”
Rep. Pat Harrigan, Republican from NC-10 (includes Winston-Salem and Mooresville)
“The strategic interests of Ukraine and the United States have never been the same, despite the narrative pushed by the media and the previous administration. President Trump and Vice President Vance made it clear that America’s priorities come first. We have spent hundreds of billions of dollars with no accountability, no clear objectives, and no plan for peace. That is not in our national interest,” said Congressman Harrigan. “The American people deserve leadership that prioritizes their security, their economy, and their future. The war in Ukraine never should have started, but it should end. It’s time to put America first and pursue a peace deal that serves our strategic interests.”
Rep. Mark Harris, Republican from NC-08 (includes Lumberton and Laurinburg)
"Thank you, President Trump and Vice President Vance, for boldly defending America's interests. This is PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH." (Posted on X)
Rep. Addison McDowell, Republican from NC-07 (includes High Point and Concord)
"AMERICA AND THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER ALWAYS COME FIRST." (Posted on X)
Rep. Valerie Foushee, Democrat from NC-04 (includes Durham, Orange, Wake counties)
“It is absolutely shameful for President Trump and Vice President Vance to treat our democratic ally with such utter disrespect and disregard, all in order to seek favor with Vladimir Putin. The United States must stand up for freedom and democracy, and we must show our unwavering support to Ukraine as it continues to defend its sovereignty against Putin’s aggression.”
Link to full article: https://www.wral.com/story/what-nc-members-of-congress-are-saying-after-trump-zelensky-meeting/21885511/