[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] As U.S. President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Ukraine without prior notice ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, voices of criticism have poured out within the Republican Party, especially among hardliners.
Ron DeSantis, Florida Governor and a leading Republican presidential contender, appeared on Fox News on the 20th (local time) and criticized Biden's visit to Ukraine, saying, "There are many problems in our country that he is neglecting."
Governor DeSantis said, "While he is there, many Americans and I think, 'Yes, he is very concerned about the border on the other side of the world. But he is doing nothing to secure our border here at home.'" This is a claim that President Biden is focusing only on Ukraine while neglecting the U.S.-Mexico border issue, which is suffering from illegal immigration problems.
Additionally, Governor DeSantis raised his voice in criticism, saying, "We have also suffered a national humiliation with Chinese reconnaissance balloons flying over the U.S.," urging President Biden to manage domestic borders first.
Matt Gaetz, a prominent hardliner Republican congressman, also posted on Twitter, stating, "When our country's border was in crisis, Biden went home to Delaware to take a nap," and added, "It’s not even surprising that he abandoned America for Ukraine on Presidents' Day."
Another Republican hardliner, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, also criticized, saying, "Biden went to Ukraine, a non-NATO member, instead of East Palestine, Ohio, on Presidents' Day." Earlier, a derailment accident of a freight train in East Palestine, Ohio, caused a hazardous material explosion. As a result, a significant amount of toxic chemicals leaked into nearby rivers and soil, raising serious concerns. Regarding Ukraine, Congresswoman Greene said, "The actor leader there is clearly commanding our U.S. troops for a world war," and added, "We must impeach America's fool before it’s too late."
Within the Republican Party, which holds the majority in the House of Representatives, voices are growing louder among the leadership and some hardliners to stop unconditional support for Ukraine. Previously, hardliners such as Gaetz and Greene submitted a resolution to the House calling for a halt to support for Ukraine and urging the signing of a peace agreement.
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