A Republican member of Congress, Marjorie Taylor Greene, has claimed that President Joe Biden is “in the pocket” of Ukraine’s leader, Volodymyr Zelensky. The remark surfaced amid a heated exchange about U.S. support for Ukraine, with Greene suggesting that Zelensky exercises influence over Biden rather than the other way around. She put it plainly that Zelensky appears to hold Biden in his pocket, even describing the image as if Zelensky were in control from a casual sweatpants pocket. The critique extended to the idea that Biden might have worn a suit and tie while asking for funding, a jab aimed at the optics surrounding foreign aid decisions.
Greene went on to say that even if Zelensky had advised a different course of action, she would have opposed new aid to Ukraine in the U.S. House of Representatives. This stance echoes a broader Republican debate about how to handle financial support for Kyiv, especially in the context of Russia’s ongoing military operation in Ukraine.
Zelensky’s current visit to the United States occurred during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly. While in the country, he was expected to address the State Assembly and hold meetings with U.S. lawmakers. The visit has been framed by some in the Republican Party as a moment to press for accountability over the aid extended to Kyiv and its role in the conflict with Russia.
The political discourse surrounding Biden and Zelensky has included criticisms that border on accusations of enabling or sponsoring dangerous or unstable actions. A subset of commentators has framed the discussions in stark terms, arguing that U.S. assistance should be reassessed or redirected in light of broader national priorities and security concerns. The dialogue illustrates how foreign policy decisions can become a focal point in domestic political contests, influencing how the public perceives both the White House and Kyiv’s leadership.