Schiff: Millions of Americans 'downright ashamed' of Trump

Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), a longtime critic of President Trump, said he thinks millions of Americans are ashamed of the president “for the first time” over his efforts to strike a deal with Ukraine to gain access to its mineral wealth.

“I think millions and millions and millions of Americans watching this not only disagree with the president, but — maybe for the first time — are just downright ashamed of the president because we have betrayed an ally,” Schiff told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer in an interview Wednesday evening.

“We've not only betrayed an ally, but we've betrayed our principles,” he continued. “Are we to be nothing except transactional now? We have no commitment to democracy, no commitment to our allies. It's all going to be about the money. That seems to be Donald Trump's orientation, but what a sad chapter of our history.”

The sharp criticism comes ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s expected visit Friday to the White House, when Trump said they will finalize a long-sought minerals deal between the two countries.

At a news conference Wednesday, Zelensky said a framework to an economic deal had been reached but that the deal did not include any security guarantees, which Zelensky has said is critical.

The deal would give the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, which Trump has framed as a way for Ukraine to repay the U.S. for the aid it has already sent during the Biden administration. But Zelensky has said he first needs to know where the U.S. stands on continued military support — a topic he expects to discuss during his visit.

Trump, in announcing the Ukraine meeting, said on Wednesday, “I’m not going to make security guarantees beyond very much,” adding, “We’re going to have Europe do that.”

Schiff in his interview blasted Trump for the comment.

“This is an effort to pressure Zelensky into giving up something for nothing," Schiff said. "And I have to say, this — on top of the resolution at the United Nations where the United States sided with Russia, betrayed Ukraine — is one of the most shameful incidents in modern history.”

Topics

Canada’s American coach Marsch ‘ashamed’ of Trump’s 51st state comments

US and Canada may face off in Concacaf Nations League US president has made aggressive comments to Canada Canada head coach Jesse Marsch took direct aim at Donald Trump and the current state of ...
The Guardian - 23h
The Social Security Fairness Act could boost payments for more than 3.2 million Americans—see who qualifies

President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law before he left office in January. Here's who may see a boost to their benefits and when.
CNBC - 2h
Trump's continues the American tradition of abandoning allies

It would be nice to rationalize America’s decisions, from Vietnam onward, to cut and run as necessary or inevitable, but we see the same scenario playing out in Ukraine.
The Hill - 6h
Trump says he's weighing giving 20% of DOGE savings to Americans

President Donald Trump revealed Wednesday that he's considering sending 20% of the money saved by the Department of Government Efficiency to Americans.
CNBC - Feb. 20
Trump vows to add Black icons to proposed National Garden of American Heroes

President Trump shared plans to feature more than 10 Black historical figures in his proposed National Garden of American Heroes during a Thursday White House reception for Black History Month. ...
The Hill - 6d
83 percent of Americans disapprove of Trump's Jan. 6 pardons: Poll

A majority of Americans are displeased with President Trump over his decision to pardon nearly all of those charged for their role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, according to a poll. ...
The Hill - 6d
Trump signs order protecting American companies from ‘overseas extortion’

President Trump issued a memo on Friday that seeks to protect American companies and innovators from what he called "overseas extortion," adding to a bevy of actions proposed in his first month in ...
The Hill - 5d
Many Americans don't trust the media to cover Trump: Survey

Most Americans in a new survey said they have little confidence that the news media can cover President Trump with fairness and accuracy. The YouGov poll, published Friday, found that 67 percent of ...
The Hill - 5d
Steve Kornacki: How Americans are reacting to Trump’s first month

NBC News National Political Correspondent Steve Kornacki highlights how Americans are reacting to President Trump after his first month back in the White House.
NBC News - 4d