Former Alabama Senator Doug Jones sharply criticized former President Donald Trump’s public confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling it “one of the most embarrassing, pathetic episodes in American history.”
Jones, a Democrat, alleged that the tense Oval Office exchange was a calculated move by Trump and Vice President JD Vance to undermine congressional support for Ukraine and its president.
“It truly, truly was one of the most embarrassing, pathetic episodes in American history,” Jones said in a video posted to his X account. “One of the most disgraceful things I’ve ever seen from a president and vice president.”
Jones suggested that the White House staged the confrontation as retaliation after French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier corrected Trump’s statements on European aid to Ukraine. That moment, which garnered positive media coverage, reportedly irritated Trump and Vance, prompting them to take a more aggressive stance against Zelenskyy.
“This was an absolute setup. There is no question,” Jones asserted. “Zelenskyy comes over, and they seize the opportunity to ambush him.”
The exchange between Trump and Zelenskyy initially appeared civil, but tensions escalated when reporters were allowed to ask questions, turning the meeting into what Jones described as an impromptu negotiation session with a U.S. ally.
“The president of the United States chose to turn a meeting into a public interrogation,” Jones said. “You don’t conduct high-level diplomatic talks in front of the press, especially with a country we’ve supported with billions of dollars in aid.”
Jones condemned Trump’s approach to diplomacy, comparing it to a reality TV show.
“For God’s sake, folks, the presidency isn’t a reality show. He can’t just ‘fire’ Zelenskyy. That’s not how international relations work,” Jones said. “There are proper ways to negotiate with world leaders, even behind closed doors, where disagreements can happen without spectacle.”
Jones also criticized Trump’s perceived deference to Russian President Vladimir Putin, contrasting it with his combative stance toward Ukraine.
“This is our ally, whom we’ve helped defend democracy in Europe,” Jones said. “And instead, Trump chooses to belittle Zelenskyy while cozying up to a dictator like Putin.”
Meanwhile, Alabama Republicans, including Sen. Tommy Tuberville, praised Trump and Vance, with Tuberville even calling Zelenskyy a “disgrace.”
Although Jones primarily blamed Trump and Vance for the incident, he acknowledged that Zelenskyy may have reacted too strongly when Vance accused him of being “disrespectful.”
“Did Zelenskyy take the bait a little? Maybe,” Jones admitted. “Was he too aggressive? Possibly. But given the circumstances—having a president and vice president treat him like an adversary—it’s understandable.”
Jones also dismissed accusations that Zelenskyy has been ungrateful for the nearly $200 billion in U.S. aid to Ukraine, pointing out that the Ukrainian leader has consistently expressed gratitude.
The heated exchange ultimately led to the cancellation of a planned news conference announcing a minerals trade deal in exchange for more aid. Zelenskyy was reportedly asked to leave the White House afterward.
“This whole thing made the U.S. look ridiculous,” Jones said. “Trump has turned the greatest country in the world into a joke, run by two men acting like schoolyard bullies instead of leaders handling global security.”
Jones urged his followers on X to contact their representatives and reaffirm support for Ukraine.
“Never forget this moment—when American foreign policy was shredded in the one place it should be protected: the Oval Office,” Jones said. “It’s a shameful, disgusting day for our country.”