Trump Jr's social media jab at Zelensky stirs controversy
"Donald Trump Jr said there is no place in his father’s administration for "war hawks" amid growing signs the president-elect will follow through on plans to bring a swift end to the conflict in Ukraine," writes The Telegraph.
In a Saturday post on Instagram, Donald Trump Jr shared a video showing a pensive Ukrainian president standing next to Donald Trump. At one point, the image zooms in on Zelensky's face, turns black and white, with US dollars beginning to fall from above.
You have 38 days left
Trump's son captioned the video: "Point of view: You're 38 days from losing your allowance." Trump is set to be inaugurated on 20th January 2025.
"Takes pleasure in cruelty"
"Sick! Donald Trump Jr., the kid born with a diamond spoon in his mouth, just posted this video, mocking Zelensky," wrote Brian Krassenstein, an American political commentator, on the platform X.
He reminded readers that Russia has killed over 600 children in Ukraine and 10,000 civilians. "Russia has stolen their sovereign lands. And the President-elect’s son is sharing this garbage on social media. MAGA seems to get off on cruelty."
The Telegraph noted that Sarah Palin, former governor of Alaska and Republican vice presidential candidate in the 2008 elections, first posted the video.
Trump doesn't want Pompeo
The previous day, Bryan Lanza, a senior Republican election strategist, told the BBC that "The incoming administration will focus on achieving peace in Ukraine rather than enabling the country to gain back territory occupied by Russia."
Trump's spokesperson denied that Lanza was speaking on behalf of the future president.
Also on Saturday, Trump ruled out assigning Mike Pompeo, the former Secretary of State, a role in his new administration. Pompeo is a staunch supporter of Ukraine.
Pompeo was one of Trump's closest advisers during his first term, initially serving as CIA director in 2017 and then heading the State Department from 2018. He was considered a leading candidate for Secretary of Defence in Trump's second administration.
Although Trump expressed scepticism about funding Ukraine during the presidential campaign, he told Zelensky during a phone call last week that "he would not abandon Kyiv."
