White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller praised Trump’s handling of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He said Trump is the first Western leader to stand firm against international pressure.
Trump abruptly dismissed Zelenskyy from the White House. Their heated exchange over U.S. inaction on Putin led to a canceled press conference. On “Jesse Watters Primetime,” Miller applauded Trump’s refusal to treat Zelenskyy with what he called undue reverence.
“Zelensky for the first time since this has begun finally met a Western leader willing to assert their own interests,” Miller said. “Americans have watched with horror as Zelensky has been treated as a messiah. Our hearts all break for the suffering and loss and death. But you know what would be even worse? World War III.”
Miller slammed Zelenskyy’s behavior, calling it a breach of diplomatic etiquette. He said Zelenskyy disrespected U.S. leaders who have strongly supported Ukraine.
“I don’t think anybody had any idea that Zelensky would be so impertinent, so disrespectful, so insulting to the United States of America,” Miller told Watters. “Millions of American hearts swelled with overflowing pride today to watch President Trump put Zelensky in his place.”
Miller emphasized America’s support for Ukraine. He noted the U.S. has provided massive military aid and suffered economic consequences.
“The only reason that Zelensky has a country, that Zelensky is in power, is because of the United States,” Miller said. “Americans have suffered economically, funding this war now for years. Our stockpiles depleted, our security weakened, all to protect Ukraine.”
Zelenskyy reportedly demanded even more U.S. support. He pushed for the U.S. to match European aid levels.
“Americans probably don’t even know the true extent of just how much military support on multiple levels and fronts America has provided to Ukraine,” Miller said. “And then this man shows up in the Oval Office and lectures us, says we have to do more, says we’re not as good as Europe.”
Tensions escalated when Zelenskyy criticized U.S. efforts against Putin. JD Vance called Zelenskyy “disrespectful” and accused him of exploiting the crisis for propaganda. Trump and Vance reminded him of America’s sacrifices and aid.
Zelenskyy insisted Ukraine remains resilient. Despite his criticism, he acknowledged the need for continued U.S. support. Trump and Vance pushed him to publicly recognize American contributions rather than air grievances.
Later, Trump addressed the situation on Truth Social. He made it clear—he believes Zelenskyy isn’t serious about peace.
“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today,” Trump wrote. “I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved. He feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE.”
Trump said Zelenskyy disrespected the Oval Office. His message was firm—Zelenskyy can return when he’s ready for peace.