Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) pushed back against “hogwash” criticism against President Donald Trump’s navigation in ending the war in Ukraine, contending that the president can be “trusted” to resolve the conflict.
Scott’s comments on Fox News Sunday with Shannon Bream follow the U.S. Department of Defense’s pause on shipments of military aid to Ukraine amid concerns of depleted stockpiles. On Friday morning, Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also spoke regarding the war between Russia and Ukraine.
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Following a recent attack that Russia carried out against the smaller country, Scott was asked if the pause on shipments makes sense, to which he pointed to the president’s handling of the Gaza ceasefire and the “progress” Trump has made in Europe.
“I trust President Trump to get the job done, that means that we start here at home,” Scott explained. “The level of escalation around the world requires Secretary Hegseth to take a look at our weaponry and make sure we’re prepared for defense. I believe that after that time has elapsed, that we go back to providing the resources necessary.”
Scott also responded to accusations that Trump has not properly handled the conflict, suggesting former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden were both “precursors,” putting Trump in a “poor posture.”
“The only word I can think of is hogwash,” Scott said. “Let’s take a look back in the history. President Obama, an incursion in Ukraine. President Biden telling Putin, ‘Ah, you can attack parts of Ukraine, just not too much of Ukraine.’ Those two precursors set President Trump up in a poor posture.”
“President Trump has done what he has always done, which is to focus on solutions and looking for ways to end the conflict,” the senator continued. “We just heard him say, ‘Putin is killing thousands of people unnecessary.’ That’s why he’s been in constant communication, trying to de-escalate the situation, and at the same time, having Secretary Hegseth focus on our responsibility of keeping Americans safe here at home and abroad.”
Trump revealed Thursday night that he achieved no progress “at all” in a recent call with Putin, which lasted over an hour. He also downplayed the pause on military aid to Ukraine, claiming Biden “emptied out our whole country” and the U.S. must ensure there is “enough for ourselves.”
Meanwhile, Zelensky confirmed that his discussion with Trump was on air defense options, during which they agreed to work on increasing airspace protection.