House Speaker Johnson Suggests Zelenskyy May Need to Step Down Following Trump Meeting

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may need to resign after a tense exchange with former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance during a recent White House meeting.

Zelenskyy met with Trump, Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other officials on Friday to discuss a potential mineral rights deal and efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

However, the discussions became heated, and Zelenskyy’s visit was unexpectedly cut short.

Johnson Criticizes Zelenskyy’s Stance on Peace Talks

Speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press, Johnson stated, “President Trump is working toward peace, but Zelenskyy’s actions signaled he isn’t ready yet, which is disappointing.”

He added that Ukraine may need new leadership to move forward with negotiations.

Trump later criticized Zelenskyy, accusing him of showing “disrespect” in the Oval Office and stating he should return “when he is ready for peace.”

Zelenskyy, however, maintained that any deal involving Ukraine’s resources must include U.S. security guarantees.

Debate Over U.S. Support for Ukraine

Johnson’s remarks echoed those of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who suggested Zelenskyy’s unwillingness to negotiate could warrant a change in leadership.

Trump’s national security adviser, Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), also emphasized the need for a leader who can work with both the U.S. and Russia to end the war.

With over $174 billion in U.S. aid committed to Ukraine, concerns are growing about the country’s leadership and its role in peace talks.

As discussions continue, the meeting underscored divisions over how to resolve the ongoing conflict.