Sen. Lindsey Graham calls on Zelenskyy to resign after heated meeting with Trump

President Donald Trump dominated headlines this week after his fiery meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which he essentially kicked him out of the White House.

Republicans across the board were thrilled with how Trump handled the meeting, which was in stark comparison to how former President Joe Biden had historically dealt with his Ukrainian counterpart, who some believe now needs to resign for the good of his country.

According to Fox News, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) praised the president for holding his own and making it clear where America stands on the issue, and he also effectively called for Zelenskyy's resignation.

Graham told reporters at the White House regarding Zelenskyy, "He either needs to resign and send somebody over that we can do business with, or he needs to change."

The South Carolina Republican described the meeting between the two as a "complete utter disaster."

In a later interview, Graham spelled out what he thought of the meeting as he heaped praise on Trump for standing firm.

"Americans witnessing what they saw today would not want Zelenskyy to be their business partner including me. I've never been more proud of Trump for showing the American people and the world, you don't trifle that this man," Graham said on Fox News.

Zelenskyy has lost Lindsey Graham, one of the most pro-Ukraine US Senators from either party:

"Americans witnessing what they saw today would not want Zelenskyy to be their business partner including me. I've never been more proud of Trump for showing the American people and the… pic.twitter.com/fezMu9zpht

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) February 28, 2025

Graham's opinion on the matter is notable given that he is one of the few Republicans in the Senate that have fully and consistently supported America's efforts to bolster Ukraine with multiple, massive rounds of aid.

The senator also said he was "very proud" of Vice President J.D. Vance for his role in the meeting.

He also expressed concern regarding whether or not the United States could do a peace deal for Ukraine, given where Zelenskyy stands in relation to the Trump administration.

"After what I saw, I don't know," Graham said later on Friday regarding the prospects of an agreement.

Social media users reacted to Graham's comments and the situation overall.

"Lindsey Graham flip-flops on his opinions. But as far as I am concerned, I say good riddance to #Zelensky. He doesn't respect our President, country, or appreciate the fact that 119.7 bn taxpayers' money has been sent to his country," one X user wrote.