JD Vance's Cousin Condemns His Remarks on Zelensky

Nate Vance criticizes JD Vance and Trump for their "disrespectful" handling of President Zelensky during a recent White House meeting.

US Vice-President JD Vance is in hot water after his cousin, Nate Vance, publicly criticized him and former President Donald Trump for their dismissive comments regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a contentious Oval Office meeting in February. Speaking on BBC's PM program, Nate Vance expressed disappointment in the decorum shown by political leaders, particularly in front of the media, stating, "There's a certain level of decorum that I expect from political leaders."

During the tumultuous exchange, Trump threatened to withdraw US support from Ukraine, accusing Zelensky of "gambling with World War Three." JD Vance labeled Zelensky as "disrespectful" for allegedly failing to express gratitude for American support. However, Nate Vance, who has volunteered with the Ukrainian military since Russia's invasion in 2022, refuted this claim, pointing out that Zelensky frequently addresses the public to thank those aiding Ukraine's cause.

The meeting escalated to the point where Zelensky was asked to leave, resulting in a canceled press conference. Following the encounter, military aid and intelligence sharing from the Trump administration to Ukraine were abruptly cut off. JD Vance's comments about Zelensky's attire—a military uniform instead of a suit—were defended by Nate, who dismissed it as a trivial point, criticizing those who focused on appearance rather than substance.

In a subsequent interview, Nate conveyed his deep frustration, stating that he has always identified as a Republican but felt compelled to speak out. He cautioned that alienation from global affairs could lead to serious consequences, referencing the historical outcomes of past isolationist policies. Zelensky later characterized the interaction as "regrettable," signaling a desire for reconciliation. As the US continues its efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, the tensions within American political discourse remain palpable.