Donald Trump thought he had a strong argument. Instead, it turned into a considerable embarrassment.
During a tense meeting at the White House, Trump and his vice president, JD Vance, told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that he was not “thankful enough” for U.S. support. Trump said, “You have to be thankful. You don’t have the cards.” Vance added, “Have you said thank you once this entire meeting?”
But here’s the problem: Zelensky has said thank you to America more times than anyone can count. And CNN quickly proved it.
Shortly after Trump’s comments, CNN repeatedly played clips of Zelensky thanking the U.S.. It wasn’t just once or twice. It was dozens of times.
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Zelensky has thanked America in speeches, meetings, and social media posts. He has thanked President Joe Biden, members of Congress, U.S. defense companies, and even American factory workers.
Here are just a few examples:
December 2022: “I thank President Biden and both parties… Thank you all, fromto who is now at the front line.”
September 2023: “There is not a single soul here today who would not care what happens to freedom. And there is not a soul in Ukraine that does not feel gratitude to you, America,”
July 4, 2024: “Thank you, America. Thank you to every American heart that beats in solidarity with brave Ukrainian hearts fighting for independence.”
November 2023 (Thanksgiving message): “On behalf of all Ukrainians, Olena @ZelenskaUA and I wish all Americans a happy Thanksgiving. We thank you, the people of America. We know how many of you sincerely sympathize with our struggle and wish Ukraine victory.”
The list goes on and on.
How EMBARRASSING for Trump. On multiple occasions, CNN just played clips of President Zelensky thanking the United States after Trump claimed Zelensky was ungrateful. Marco Rubio had no response! It’s worth a watch. pic.twitter.com/UnaX037Xrv
— Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) March 1, 2025
When Trump’s claim hit the news, many people were quick to point out that it simply wasn’t true. News commentators and social media users shared videos of Zelensky repeatedly expressing gratitude to the U.S. Some even compiled long lists of his public statements thanking America.
Even Senator Marco Rubio, who was in the meeting, had no response when CNN asked him about it. He stayed silent.
This isn’t just about gratitude. It’s about how Trump sees loyalty. He doesn’t just want a “thank you.” He wants public praise and personal recognition. Zelensky, on the other hand, doesn’t play that game. He thanked America, not for Trump or Biden, but for the help of the American people. He has made it clear that Ukraine values U.S. support, no matter who is in charge.
Featured image via Screengrab
