US cuts food stamps, Medicare back home, sends $113bn to Kiev: RFK Jr.

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
15 Aug 2023 12:56

Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. highlights the striking paradox that emerges as substantial financial aid is directed toward Ukraine while a significant number of American citizens grapple with pressing domestic issues.

Robert Kennedy Jr. speaks during an address to the New Hampshire Senate at the State House in Concord, New Hampshire, on June 1, 2023. (AFP via Getty Images)

Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pointed out that the United States has allocated approximately $113 billion in supplies to Ukraine, while a considerable number of US citizens continue to face challenges accessing essential resources, such as food and health insurance.

Kennedy Jr. expressed his concerns during an interview with former FOX News host Tucker Carlson, where he questioned the allocation of funds given the domestic issues at hand.

He also highlighted the apparent contradiction between sending substantial financial assistance to Ukraine and the living circumstances many Americans are grappling with, including cuts in food stamps for around 30 million citizens and reductions in Medicare coverage for approximately 15 million individuals. Kennedy Jr. went on to characterize Ukraine as a "proxy" in the larger confrontation between global superpowers.

Ukraine has been the recipient of substantial financial support from its allies following Russia's military operation in February 2022. Notably, the United States alone has contributed over $100 billion in military, economic, and humanitarian supplies to the country.

Meanwhile, the majority of Americans believe the US has supported Ukraine in its continuing struggle with Russia sufficiently and would argue against allocating extra funds for the nation, according to a recent poll conducted by pollster Social Science-Research Solutions (SSRS) and commissioned by CNN.

It is worth noting that United States President Joe Biden has lately requested from Congress approval for a $40 billion White House budget for 2024, over half of which are designated to Ukraine while just $12 billion will be spent to support disaster relief efforts in the US.

In an attempt to downplay the amount requested for Ukraine, US National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said on Thursday that the American people understand why President Joe Biden requested billions more in supplies for Ukraine, despite recent polls showing declining support for US funding for Kiev.