US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called on US President Donald Trump to remove Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth from office following reports of a weapons shipment delay to Ukraine, a move that has ignited bipartisan concern amid escalating tensions with Russia.

"To no one’s surprise — Secretary Hegseth continues to be an embarrassment and a liability," Schumer posted on X.

To no one’s surprise—Secretary Hegseth continues to be an embarrassment and a liability.

Trump should fire him and pick someone else to serve as Secretary of Defense. pic.twitter.com/yHiSTPA2ED

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) July 10, 2025

"Trump should fire him and pick someone else to serve as Secretary of Defense," he added, referencing a CNN report alleging Hegseth authorized a pause in arms deliveries without notifying the White House.

Confusion over Pentagon decision

Last week, US media reported that the Pentagon had halted shipments of air defense systems and other advanced weaponry to Ukraine due to concerns over dwindling domestic reserves. On Monday, both Trump and the Department of Defense confirmed that additional military aid would proceed, despite earlier disruptions.

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At a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump appeared to distance himself from the pause. When asked if he had approved the decision, Trump, seated beside Hegseth, said, "I don’t know, why don’t you tell me?"

Pressed again on Thursday, Trump told NBC News: "I don’t know anything about it," but added that Hegseth is "doing a great job."

Sanctions bill gains traction in Senate

The controversy comes as Trump ramps up criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin and considers new measures against Moscow. On April 1, Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal introduced the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, proposing a 500% tariff on imports from countries that purchase Russian energy or resources.

Commenting on the bill Thursday, Trump said he expected it to pass, calling it a measure that gives him broad discretion. “It’s a bill that the Senate is passing that very respectfully lets the president do whatever he wants, as you know,” he said. “They’re going to pass a very major and very biting sanctions bill, but it’s up to the president as to whether or not he wants to exercise it.”

Senator Graham added that the legislation could shift the geopolitical landscape. “If media reports are accurate, the combination of ending defensive weapons to Ukraine and having congressional sanctions available for President Trump’s use against Putin and his customers will be a game changer. Big miscalculation by Putin,” he wrote on X.

President Trump has earnestly sought to end the bloodbath in Ukraine. Putin’s refusal to be reasonable is going to be met with resistance by President Trump.

If media reports are accurate, the combination of sending defensive weapons to Ukraine and having congressional…

— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 11, 2025

Trump weighs emergency weapons authority

Some reports suggest that Trump is considering invoking the Presidential Drawdown Authority, which allows the president to send weapons directly from existing US stockpiles during emergencies. The last use of this authority came on January 9, when former President Joe Biden approved a $500 million arms package for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking from Rome after meeting Senators Graham and Blumenthal, voiced strong support for the proposed sanctions. "Without a doubt, this is exactly the kind of leverage that can bring peace closer and make sure diplomacy is not empty," he posted on X.

Meanwhile, Trump announced plans to deliver a “major statement” on Russia this coming Monday, though he provided no further details.