Trump conditions Ukraine aid: 'Loans, not gifts... stop handing out'
3 Min Read
Trump does not spare Biden in his comments on foreign policy, saying his incompetence instigated the war in Ukraine and the war in Gaza, noting that under Biden, “We’re a nation in decline, we’re a declining nation.”
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Former President Donald Trump arrives for a news conference at Manhattan Criminal Court on March 25, 2024, in New York. (AP)
During a press conference with US House Speaker Mike Johnson, former US President and current elections frontrunner Donald Trump expressed not being against Congress approving more aid to Ukraine, but conditions apply.
Asked if he approves Johnson possibly bringing an aid bill to vote, he said, “We’re thinking about making it in the form of a loan, instead of just a gift. We keep handing out gifts of billions and billions of dollars, and we’ll take a look at it.”
He also advised European allies to match the US' level of assistance to Ukraine.
This comes as it is reported that Johnson is prepared to allow a $60 billion Ukraine funding bill to advance to a House vote, as Republicans continue to oppose new aid approvals for the past few months. Trump ally Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has since threatened to introduce a vote to oust Johnson.
Greene on Tuesday declared her refusal to accept the leadership style demonstrated by Johnson, likening it to a "total surrender" to Democratic demands.
Trump, when asked if he would support a Ukraine aid bill if House Speaker Mike Johnson brings it to a vote:
— The Recount (@therecount) April 12, 2024
"We're thinking about making it in the form of a loan instead of just a gift. We keep handing out gifts of billions and billions of dollars and we'll take a look at it." pic.twitter.com/b0aSiLkwVa
Trump relayed to reporters in support of Johnson: “It’s not an easy situation for any speaker... I think he’s doing a very good job. He’s doing about as good as you’re going to do.”
He warned that if new aid is approved, “Europe has to step up, and they have to equalize it. They don’t equalize. I’m very upset about it because they’re affected much more than we are.”
Read more: As Trump looms, NATO may take over US responsibilities for Ukraine aid
Trump did not spare President Joe Biden in his comments, saying that his incompetence instigated the war in Ukraine and the war in Gaza, noting that under Biden, “We’re a nation in decline, we’re a declining nation.”
“A lot of bad things are happening in our country, but that’s the least of it. You’ve got Russia – you could end up in a world war between Russia, Ukraine, and all of the chaos.”
Domino effect
Since the war began in 2022, Trump has vowed that he would end the crisis within 24 hours.
"If I were president, the Russia/Ukraine war would never have happened, but even now, if president, I would be able to negotiate an end to this horrible and rapidly escalating war within 24 hours," Trump said in January last year on the Truth Social platform.
Last month, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Trump vowed not to provide financial assistance to Ukraine if reelected this fall.
"If the Americans do not give weapons and money, and the Europeans follow them, then the war will end. If the Americans do not give money, then the Europeans are not able to finance this war themselves, and then it will end," he said.
Later, Trump declared his willingness to "encourage" Russia to attack NATO members who are behind on their financial obligations.
In light of this, earlier this month, to "Trump-proof" aid for Kiev, NATO Foreign Ministers discussed how to establish long-term military support for Ukraine.
