Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and the ongoing war in Ukraine are drawing fresh criticism from within the Republican Party. Trump’s attempts to broker peace have faltered, while Putin continues airstrikes and escalates tensions in Europe. GOP lawmakers now warn the president that his softer approach risks making him appear weak.
Republicans Say Putin Is Playing Trump
Since Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Russia has intensified attacks. Civilians in Ukraine remain under fire, and Moscow even violated Poland’s airspace with drones. NATO leaders see this as a dangerous escalation.
Trump reacted on Truth Social: “What’s with Russia violating Poland’s airspace with drones? Here we go!” Yet despite these warnings, Trump has delayed sanctions and extended deadlines. That hesitation alarms many Republicans.
Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa told reporters, “President Trump wants every opportunity for peace, but Putin is playing him right now.” Senator Thom Tillis echoed her remarks, saying Russia is “playing us like a piano.” Both senators argue Trump is giving Moscow too much time.
Even members of Trump’s Cabinet seem frustrated. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent admitted that the Anchorage meeting “bore no fruit.” He emphasized that Putin’s actions since then “do the opposite” of peace.
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World Leaders Share GOP Concerns
Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and their stalled talks are also troubling allies abroad. French President Emmanuel Macron warned in August that if Putin avoids negotiations with Ukraine, it proves “President Putin played President Trump.” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte added that leaders “should not be naïve.”
Meanwhile, Senate Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker declared on the floor that Trump “has given Vladimir Putin every chance,” only to see the Russian president “mock the peace process.”
Longtime Republican voices have been raising similar alarms. Senator Chuck Grassley argued as far back as April that Putin was “playing America as a patsy.” Representative Don Bacon summed it up this week: “The administration’s policy towards Russia is weak and vacillating, and Putin is taking advantage of it.”
Trump insists he is not naïve. He recently imposed tariffs on India for buying Russian oil and hinted at new sanctions. Still, his reluctance to move decisively leaves critics doubting his resolve.
The GOP’s frustration is clear. They once hoped Trump’s strategy would bring balance, but now many say patience has run out. As Putin escalates, Republicans warn their president that waiting too long could be a costly mistake.
