Michael Portillo has criticised JD Vance’s role in the shouting match that broke out in the Oval Office between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.
Speaking on GB News, the presenter said the Vice President berating the Ukrainian leader was “ironic” given his previous remarks on free speech.
The VP is in the limelight for his role in the extraordinary clash where he accused Zelensky of “disrespecting” the Oval Office and President Trump.
Portillo made it clear on GB News that he was less than impressed with Vance, having praised his speech in Munich last month where he took aim at European leaders.
Michael Portillo criticised JD Vance’s role in the clash
GB NEWS
“An irony that occurred to me was that JD Vance came to Europe and lectured us on the death of free speech”, said Portillo.
“I rather agreed with him. To see Zelensky being silenced, being shouted at every time he tried to speak, I did not see much support of free speech in that particular encounter.”
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Portillo’s co-host, Anne Diamond, made a point that the language barrier likely did not help quell tensions.
“English isn’t Zelensky’s first language”, she said.
“I thought he did extraordinarily well, but maybe he didn’t quite understand some of the nuance of when President Trump was saying ‘you don’t hold the cards’.
“He said, ‘this isn’t a card game’. But Americans talk about holding the cards in a different way.
Donald Trump told Zelensky he is ‘gambling with World War 3’Reuters
“Is it fair to bully somebody whose language is not English in the White House? It was one of the reasons why it was bullying.”
Zelensky is set to arrive in London ahead of a European summit, marking another key diplomatic engagement for the wartime president.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa have issued identical statements in Ukrainian supporting President Zelensky.
The coordinated messages came after a reported row at the White House.
Anne Diamond said the language barrier did not help Zelensky
GB NEWS
Both EU leaders published their statements in Ukrainian, a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the war-torn nation.
According to European Pravda, the statements were addressed directly to Zelensky.
This public display of support from top EU officials comes at a critical moment for Ukraine’s diplomatic relations.
The timing aligns with Zelensky’s journey to London, suggesting a coordinated European response to recent diplomatic tensions.
In their statements, the EU leaders praised Zelensky’s dignity, saying it “honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people.”
The messages contained direct words of encouragement for the Ukrainian president.
“Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President,” von der Leyen and Costa stated.
They also pledged ongoing support for Ukraine’s cause.
“We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace,” the statement concluded.