U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth engaged in a confrontational exchange with Kentucky GOP Senator Mitch McConnell during a tense Senate Appropriations hearing on Tuesday.
The debate escalated rapidly after McConnell inquired about the Trump administration’s position regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
This intense questioning occurs as the Trump administration’s approach to the Russia-Ukraine situation seems to have changed significantly, shifting from threats of sanctions and strong commitments to a swift resolution to a stance characterized by disengagement and transactional diplomacy.
Trump has increasingly demonstrated a readiness to withdraw the United States from any prominent role in the peace negotiations, which has caused frustration among allies.
After a phone conversation in late May between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump allegedly informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders that the United States would cease participation in new sanctions initiatives against Russia, which starkly contrasts with previous statements suggesting that only he and Putin could facilitate a ceasefire.
The relationship between Trump and Zelensky has been publicly tense since their meeting in the Oval Office earlier this year, which became heated.
During the session on Wednesday, McConnell, a long-standing advocate of hawkish foreign policy, expressed mainstream Republican apprehensions regarding Ukraine policy by questioning Hegseth to gain a clear understanding of the administration’s stance, directly asking him whom he preferred to win the conflict.
Below is a transcript of the dialogue between Trump and McConnell:
MCCONNELL: It likely won’t surprise you, but I will begin with Ukraine.
I will pose a series of questions, and I would prefer that you do not dwell on any single question but rather respond to the series in one comprehensive answer.
First, who is the aggressor and who is the victim in this conflict?
HEGSETH: Russia is the aggressor.
MCCONNELL: Which side do you wish to see victorious?
HEGSETH: As we have reiterated repeatedly, this president is dedicated to achieving peace in that conflict.
Ultimately, peace aligns with our national interests, and we believe it serves the interests of both parties, even if that outcome may not be favored by many present in this room and many in our nation.
MCCONNELL: Which side is President Xi supporting?
HEGSETH: As both of you have mentioned, it is clear that, regrettably, under this administration and the policies, pardon me, under the previous administration and the strategies they implemented, Russia and China have grown closer.
Therefore, it is evident that China would prefer a favorable outcome for Vladimir Putin, but it would also favor a prolonged conflict that would keep us and other nations preoccupied and unable to focus on China’s detrimental influence elsewhere.
A significant majority of Americans support President Trump’s management of the Russia-Ukraine war, as indicated by new polling data from CNN.
Moreover, a greater number of Americans endorse Trump’s stance on the conflict compared to those who backed the now-former President Biden’s approach to it.
“Thus, I believe the simplest way to frame this is to ask whether Americans appreciate how Trump is performing in his role, in contrast to their feelings about Joe Biden,” stated CNN data analyst Harry Enten during a segment on Monday.
“This represents the net approval rating. When you examine Joe Biden back in 2024, he was 22 points below water. Incredible. In contrast, Donald Trump is on an entirely different level. The disparity between these two is broader than the Gulf of America or Mexico, depending on your political affiliation. He stands at plus-two,” Enten elaborated.
“At this moment, it appears that Americans are granting Donald Trump the benefit of the doubt. He is performing significantly better than Joe Biden did regarding the management of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Therefore, on this straightforward question, I believe Americans are indicating, ‘Alright, Donald Trump is handling this adequately,’” he concluded.
