Trump slams Biden’s Ukraine missile policy as ‘stupid and dangerous’

Donald Trump, the elected President of the United States, reiterated his criticism of the Biden administration’s decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied missiles on Russian territory, calling it a “stupid” decision.

Speaking at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump addressed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Why it matters

Trump’s comments reflect ongoing tensions between his stance on foreign policy and the Biden administration’s approach, especially regarding military aid to Ukraine amid the war with Russia.

Details of Trump’s statements

• Trump called the decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S. missiles on Russian soil “stupid” and said he might reverse it if he were to take office.
• He criticized Biden for deciding without consulting him or considering his opinion, stating, “Why would they do this without asking me first? I wouldn’t have allowed it. I think it was a big mistake.”
• The White House responded through National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, who assured that the administration had communicated the reasoning behind their decision to Ukraine at various levels.
• Trump had previously described the decision as “dangerous and stupid” in an interview with Time magazine on Dec. 12.
• He also reiterated that, if elected, he would seek to end the Russia-Ukraine war quickly, suggesting that he would engage directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin to resolve the conflict.

Big picture

Trump’s statements highlight the ongoing debate about U.S. involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and foreign policy strategies, with his position contrasting with Biden’s approach to supporting Ukraine.

What’s next

The disagreement over military aid and U.S. strategy toward Russia will likely remain a key issue as Trump prepares for his presidency in January.